Northwest Farmers Forced to Pay Multi-Million Naira Protection Levies

Rural communities in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara now face monthly “harvest taxes” and protection fees imposed by armed bandits. Residents risk abduction or death if they fail to comply. In Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, at least 26 villages paid multi-million-naira levies ahead of the wet season under threat of violence. Bandits warned that anyone farming without payment would be killed or kidnapped. In Katsina State, gunmen invaded Kwandawa and demanded a N20 million “right-to-live” fee or forced evacuation. Farmers in Kankara LGA also paid N20 million just to enter their fields, while Tashar Kaɗanya residents faced a N60 million protection levy under threat of bloodshed.

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