Fear As Bandits Threaten To Collect Tax From Farmers Before Harvest In Niger State

Bandits have instigated fears in Niger State communities after threatening to stop farmers from harvesting their crops until they pay tax.

Naija News learnt that the terror group directed the threats to residents of Atabo and Magama local government areas of the state.

The assailants are said to have attacked the Atabo community earlier, where they abducted the village head, Alhaji Mairabo and his younger sibling, Usman.

A source who disclosed the development to newsmen explained that the village head was later released but that the bandits held back his younger brother.

“They released the village head on Wednesday and told him to inform the family of his younger brother to pay N7 million ransom. They also told him that if this ransom was not paid on time, they would not allow us to harvest our crops this dry season until we pay tax. As I speak with you, some people have fled their homes since Tuesday’s attack,” Daily Post quoted the source.

The resident expressed great concern over the notification and appealed to the federal and state governments to come to their aid by deploying security operatives so they could harvest their crops freely.

Five Killed As Bandits Invade Market In Zamfara 

Bandits on Wednesday reportedly stormed a famous market in Gidan Goga, a community in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, to carry out their usual heinous activities.

Naija News learnt that the assailants came in large numbers and invaded the market located at 7 kilometres off Kaura Namoda-Shinkafi road, firing at traders.

The bandits reportedly killed three people who attempted to escape. However, a courageous vigilante member reportedly killed two of the bandits with his Dane gun while his colleagues had withdrawn from the gunfire.

“When the armed criminals had arrived, they opened fire on traders, and pandemonium broke out as everyone was scrambling out of the market to safety,” an eyewitness told Daily Trust.

“However, a vigilante wielding dane gun fired several shots at the assailants, killing two instantly. The vigilante quickly changed position and continued to fire shots at the advancing gang of criminals even when some of his colleagues had withdrawn,” the resident added.

According to him, the armed men had called for reinforcement and overpowered the vigilantes.