Sokoto Bandits Bar Farmers, Demand Millions in Levies Across 26 Communities

Residents across 26 communities in Sabon Birni LGA, Sokoto State face fresh extortion from armed bandits. The groups issued a three-day ultimatum barring farmers from their fields and demanding millions of naira in levies before planting begins. Villages have started pooling funds ranging from ₦1,500 to ₦5,000 per household. Bandits threatened to kill or kidnap anyone caught farming, demanding ₦500,000 ransom per victim. When payments stalled, about 20 people were abducted in Garin Idi. A ransom of ₦600,000 secured their release, but five victims remain in captivity. Traditional leaders and clerics are set to negotiate levy amounts with the bandits. Communities say this extortion recurs every planting season and even at harvest, affecting their food security and livelihoods. The Sokoto State Police say they are unaware of these incidents, and the state government has yet to comment.

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