Zamfara residents in distress as bandit leader orders ₦30m levy
Residents of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are living in fear as the deadline set by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to pay an imposed ₦30 million levy expires today.
In a viral video, the bandit leader imposed the ₦30 million levy on the community after the military allegedly killed over 100 of his cows a few weeks ago.
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Initially, Turji had demanded ₦50 million from the community, but later reduced the amount to ₦30 million.
An indigene of the town, Abdullahi Moriki, told newsmen that the community has been struggling to raise the funds to pay the bandit leader.
According to him, each homeowner in the town is required to pay ₦10,000, while unmarried individuals are to pay ₦2,000 each.
“The situation is really worrisome. The bandit kingpin initially demanded ₦50 million, but after several pleas, he reduced it to ₦30 million. Right now, each homeowner in Moriki is being asked to pay ₦10,000,” he said.
“I own a house in Moriki, and they have asked me to pay the ₦10,000,” the source added.
When asked if security agencies are aware of the levy and the threat of violence if the payment is not made, Moriki confirmed that they are fully informed.
In a telephone conversation with journalists, Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, confirmed the situation. He added that joint security forces, comprising the Nigerian Police and the Army, have deployed additional troops to the area to ensure adequate security.
“We are aware that the bandits have imposed a levy on them. We have made adequate joint deployments of the police and the military throughout the area, and we are in touch with the people of Moriki,” Dalijan said.
“We have adopted the necessary measures to protect the people of Moriki.”
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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