Residents of Bazar Community and surrounding villages in Yabo local government area of Sokoto State have cried out to the state government to help pay the 15 million naira levy by terrorists in order to avoid attacks.
They also said the failure to pay the imposed levy may result in losing their farm produce.
A resident of the area, Alhaji Dauda Umar, who disclosed this to newsmen, said “It is true that the bandits demanded a ransom of fifteen million from us, threatening to cause harm if we don’t comply.
“I don’t have any direct knowledge of their plans, but I heard that they demanded fifteen million from our community.
“I’m not sure when they’ll collect the money, but the levy was imposed and arrangement to pay is in progress. The bandits came and attacked our town on a Friday around 11:40 pm and left at 1:06 am, on that fateful day.
“They took seven people with them and later released the village head and five others after warning them not to report the incident. They also looted shops and stole goods worth millions of naira.
“The bandits have been attacking our community for years, and it’s surprising they know our town so well. We’ve informed the authorities, including the police, but we need more support to tackle this security challenge,” he said.
The people of Bazzar however, called on the chairman of Yabo local government to help report the situation to the state government, to address the security issue.
