Bandits Impose N10m Fine On Zamfara Communities

Armed bandits operating in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have allegedly demanded the sum of N10 million as a fine from some communities under their control.
According to a special report by BBC Hausa Service yesterday, monitored by The Tide source, the bandits demanded the money after a reconciliation meeting held between the people of the communities and the representatives of the bandits’ group in a community at the neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.
A source hinted that the bandits sought a reconciliation meeting with the people of Yanbuki and its neighbouring communities in Zurmi and the communities accepted to end the constant threat and intimidation by the armed bandits.
Continuing, the source explained that the recent attack launched by the bandits in the Yanbuki community on Saturday where more than 35 persons, who were standing by the road site awaiting a vehicle, were kidnapped.
The BBC Hausa Service said that the reconciliation meeting took place at a village called “Kuryar Kware” and was attended by the majority of the residents of Yanbuki, and its neighbouring communities.
According to the source who is from the Yanbuki community, “after realizing that all effort to get the government and security agencies to secure the axis failed we had no option than to accept the reconciliation meeting, and they have demanded the payment of N10 million fine for peace to reign,” the source said.
The source said that the communities affected have accepted to pay the sum for them to breathe the air of freedom.