- Residents of Bakale village in Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have reportedly been ordered by an armed group to pay a N20 million levy to prevent attacks.
- The bandit leader, in an audio recording, informed the village head that the payment was to “buy peace” for the community.
- The leader threatened that failure to pay would result in attacks, killings, and abductions.
Residents of Bakale village in the Kilgori district of Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have reportedly been ordered by an armed group to pay a N20 million levy to prevent further attacks.
In an audio recording obtained by a DailyTrust reporter, the gang leader instructed the village head to gather residents and relay the group’s ultimatum.
After confirming the traditional ruler had spoken to the villagers, the bandit leader insisted the community must now pay N20 million, claiming the levy was meant to buy them peace.
The leader threatened severe consequences for non-compliance:
“We don’t want to attack you. That is why we decided to impose this levy. If you pay, I promise you will continue to live in peace. We will not allow any group to attack your community or kidnap your people. But if you fail to pay, we will attack you, kill you, and abduct your people. This is our message,” he said.
Widespread Extortion
A community leader, speaking anonymously, revealed that several neighboring settlements across Kilgori and Torankawa districts have faced similar demands in recent months.
The affected communities stretch across both districts, including Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Bakale, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, and Barmadu, among others.
According to the source, each village is billed differently based on its size and population, with levies demanded by the armed groups ranging from N3 million to N20 million.
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