Residents of two communities in Katsina State have been thrown into fear after bandits reportedly imposed a N10 million levy on each settlement despite ongoing peace arrangements in the area.
The affected communities, Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni, are located in Bakori Local Government Area of the state.
The development was reportedly linked to armed men loyal to a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
A security analyst and conflict journalist, Bakastine, disclosed the incident in a post on his X handle, raising concerns over the fragile security situation in rural communities across the North-West.
According to sources in the area, the fresh demand has heightened tension among residents, with many families reportedly fleeing their homes over fears of possible attacks.
The levy comes amid several peace agreements previously brokered between community leaders, local authorities and representatives of armed groups operating in the area.
Residents, however, expressed frustration over what they described as repeated violations of the agreements, questioning the effectiveness of the peace deals.
Sources said the continued activities of armed groups had sustained fear among farmers who rely heavily on access to farmlands for survival.
The report noted that the imposition of levies by bandits has become a recurring pattern in parts of the North-West, where communities are often forced to make payments to avoid attacks.
Security observers warned that continuous compliance with such demands could embolden criminal groups and expand their influence across more rural settlements.
Bakastine also questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures, stressing the need for stronger enforcement strategies to protect vulnerable communities.
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