Bandits demand N20m protection levy from Sokoto community, threaten deadly attack
Story by Mercy Adaje
Residents of Bakale village in Kilgori district, Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have reportedly been issued a N20 million levy demand by armed bandits to avert violent attacks on their community.
In an audio obtained by our reporter, the gang leader instructed the village head to summon residents and relay the payment order. The recording captured the bandit questioning the traditional ruler over an earlier directive before insisting he gather the community again to inform them of the new levy.
“We don’t want to attack you. That is why we imposed this levy,” the bandit was heard saying. “If you pay, you will live in peace. But if you fail, we will attack, kill and abduct your people. This is our message.”
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, revealed that neighbouring villages had faced similar extortion demands, with levies ranging from N3 million to N20 million depending on population size. Affected areas across Kilgori and Torankawa districts include Bazar, Alkalije, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, Barmadu and others.
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The source also disclosed that 10 people were recently killed in separate attacks—six in Alkalije and four in Tile.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, did not respond to multiple calls.
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