In a disturbing turn of events, terrorists, locally referred to as bandits, have seized control of several communities in Niger State, Nigeria.
Notably, Dogon-Dawa, Kurege, Kangarewa, and Mangoro are among the areas now under the sway of these armed groups, who are essentially “governing” the regions by their own rules.
Residents and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been subjected to a harrowing situation as the bandits enforce levies on both individuals and their belongings.
Free movement of goods and persons has been severely restricted, with people compelled to pay levies before traversing the affected areas.
Sharing the grim reality, a displaced person revealed, “Last Sunday, we were forced to pay a staggering N3.5 million levy before the vehicles carrying our belongings were permitted to leave.”
Additionally, farmers are not exempt, as the bandits demand payment before allowing them to harvest their crops.
The gravity of the situation extends to IDPs seeking to leave the area, who are required to pay specific levies before gaining freedom of movement.
The bandits have effectively transformed the region into their own territory, operating with impunity, as reported by local sources.
The toll on vehicles leaving the area is equally severe, with charges ranging from N200,000 to N300,000.
In some instances, three vehicles combined face a hefty N1 million levy before being allowed to exit the controlled territories.
In response to these distressing developments, the spokesperson for the police in Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, has pledged to investigate the matter and provide updates as the situation unfolds.
The affected communities anxiously await any intervention that can alleviate their plight and restore a semblance of normalcy.
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