- Residents of Bakale village in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State were reportedly ordered by an armed group to pay N20 million in taxes to prevent attacks.
- The bandit leader was recorded telling the village chief that the money was to “buy peace” for the community.
- The leader threatened that failure to pay would lead to attacks, killings and kidnappings.
Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori District, Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State were reportedly ordered by armed groups to pay N20 million in taxes to prevent further attacks.
An audio recording obtained by Daily Trust reporters showed the gang leader instructing the village chief to summon residents and convey the gang’s ultimatum.
After confirming that the traditional rulers had spoken to the villagers, the bandit leader insisted that the community must now pay N20 million, claiming that the levy was to bring peace to them.
Leaders threatened severe consequences for failure to comply:
“We don’t want to attack you. That’s why we decided to impose this tax. If you pay, I guarantee you will continue to live in peace. We will not allow any group to attack your community or kidnap your people. But if you don’t pay, we will attack you, kill you, kidnap your people. This is our message,” he said.
widespread blackmail
A community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that several neighboring settlements in the Kilgore and Torankawa areas have faced similar demands in recent months.
Affected communities span the two regions and include Bazar, Alkaliya, Gari, Bakale, Dagher, Adalawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Lungi, Tudu, Valle, Kibiare and Bamadu, among others.
Sources said each village charges different fees based on its size and population, with armed groups demanding taxes ranging from 3 million to 20 million naira.
