Fear and uncertainty have gripped 23 communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State following the imposition of levies totaling N100 million by a notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide. The development has forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, leaving many villages deserted.
Reports indicate that the levies, ranging from N2.5 million to N20 million per community, were imposed with threats of violent attacks if payments were not made. The affected communities include Kunchin-Kalgo (N20m), Sungawa (N15m), Rakyabu (N15m), Kwaren Mai-Saje (N10m), Magazawa (N10m), Gijin-Zama (N8.5m), and Giwa (N7m), among others.
Residents have described the situation as dire, with families abandoning their homes and livelihoods in search of safety. One displaced resident from Magazawa, Yusuf Dalhatu, recounted how he relocated his family to Tsafe town.
“As I speak, I am in Gusau, and my family is in Tsafe town. We cannot return to Magazawa because the bandits can strike at any time. If they do not receive the levy, they will retaliate violently,” Dalhatu said.
Similarly, Isa Inuwa, a resident of Machiya, described his village as almost completely deserted. “When I left, only a few people remained, and they were planning to leave soon. Most families have already relocated to nearby towns for fear of attacks,” he said.
A source within the Zamfara State House of Assembly, who requested anonymity, confirmed the displacement of residents from the affected communities. “Over two-thirds of the population in these communities have fled their homes because of the bandits’ levies. While killings and kidnappings in the area have reduced recently, this new tactic of extortion is causing significant distress,” the lawmaker revealed.
The Zamfara State Police Command has acknowledged the situation, with Commissioner of Police Muhammad Shehu Dalija stating that security forces are being mobilized to the affected areas.
“We are aware of the levies imposed by Dogo Gide on these communities. Although reports of mass displacement are yet to be officially verified, we are taking proactive measures by deploying more security personnel, including soldiers and mobile policemen, to protect residents and prevent attacks,” CP Dalija said. “We cannot allow criminal elements to continue terrorizing citizens. Law enforcement agencies are working to ensure peace is restored.”
As the security situation deteriorates, calls for urgent government intervention have intensified. Local leaders and residents are urging authorities to prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities and provide assistance to displaced families.
The crisis underscores the growing challenges of banditry in Zamfara State, where criminal groups continue to exert control over rural areas, leaving communities vulnerable to extortion and violence.
