Bandits demand N5m ‘tax’ from Katsina villages

Armed bandits have reportedly asked residents of several villages in Dan-Musa and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State to pay N5 million as a form of tax.

The affected communities include Mara Dangeza, Unguwar Tofa and Gidan Goge. According to reports, the attackers gave residents a deadline to make the payment or risk being attacked.

A security expert in the North-West region, Bakatsine, shared on X that this development comes despite a peace agreement reached between local stakeholders and the bandits in November last year.

The new threat has forced some families to leave their homes out of fear.
“Residents are calling for urgent government and security intervention as extortion tactics deepen insecurity in rural communities,” Bakatsine wrote.