Residents of Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni communities in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State are in panic over alleged imposition of a fresh levy of ₦10 million on each community by bandits loyal to a notorious armed leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
The two communities have reportedly reached previous peace agreements between local authorities, community leaders and representatives of armed groups operating in the area, but still demanded ₦20 million.
The development has renewed concerns about security situation in parts of Katsina State especially in rural communities where residents continue to live under the threat of armed groups.
The development was revealed in a post on his 𝕏 handle by security analyst and crisis journalist, Bakastine, who raised alarm over continued exposure of rural settlements to bandit attacks and intimidation.
He said the new levy has created fear among residents with many families said to have abandoned their homes out of fear that the armed group might attack them if the money is not paid.
It was understood that the demand had heightened tension in the affected communities, where residents have often complained of poor security presence and repeated threats from bandits.
Some residents also complained of what Bakatsine said was a repeated cycle of negotiations, temporary calm and intimidation by armed groups.
They questioned the effectiveness of the peace deals previously brokered in the area, saying the latest demand showed the agreements had failed to ensure lasting safety.
The situation has again raised questions about the sustainability of peace arrangements between communities and armed groups in parts of the North-West.
Despite security operations in Katsina State, the bandits are said to still be active in several rural areas, leaving farming communities vulnerable.
Many of the affected farmers are also said to be afraid of accessing their farmlands, a development that could worsen hardship in communities already battling insecurity and displacement.
“Paying levies to bandits had become dangerous in some parts of the region,” a source said.
Such arrangements, often called ‘peace deals’ locally, have not resulted in lasting security but have created a cycle of intimidation and forced compliance, Daily Post quoted the individual as saying.
Security analysts have warned that the continued payment of levies to armed groups could further embolden bandits and increase their control of vulnerable communities.
They said if these demands were not curbed, criminal groups could extend their influence into more rural settlements.
Bakastine also questioned the effectiveness of existing security strategies, asking whether there are enough enforcement mechanisms to protect communities still under threat of attacks.
