Residents Fear Reprisals, Beg Govt, Security Agencies For Urgent Intervention
Residents of Kaya village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been thrown into panic after armed bandits imposed an ₦8 million levy on the community, following the killing of a notorious bandit commander during a recent security operation.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the threat, issued on Tuesday, was a reprisal over the death of one Isuhu Buzu, a feared bandit leader neutralised during a joint operation involving the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Multiple sources in the area said the bandits warned that failure to pay the levy would attract violent consequences, including attacks on the village, loss of lives and destruction of property.
A Katsina-based security analyst, Malam Bakatsine, told PLATFORM TIMES that residents of Kaya had dissociated themselves from the operation, stressing that the community neither provided intelligence nor supported the forces involved in Buzu’s killing.
“The people are shocked by the demand. They insist they had nothing to do with the operation that led to the bandit leader’s death. This is clearly a case of collective punishment against innocent civilians,” Bakatsine said.
The threat has heightened tension in the community, forcing many residents to live in fear amid concerns that the bandits may carry out revenge attacks if the money is not paid.
Community leaders, who described the levy as unjust and oppressive, have appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene by deploying more personnel, intensifying patrols and securing Kaya village and neighbouring communities.
They warned that allowing armed groups to punish civilians for counterterrorism operations could worsen insecurity in the state, urging authorities to take proactive steps to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable rural communities.
Zamfara State has remained one of the epicentres of banditry in the North-West, with communities frequently caught in the crossfire between armed groups and security forces.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
