In addition to facing persistent attacks from armed men, farmers in Gatakawa, a community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, are now being extorted, with bandits reportedly demanding a staggering N20 million before allowing them to harvest their crops.
The demand, described as both outrageous and heartbreaking, has heightened fears among rural residents who rely on farming for survival, already struggling under persistent insecurity.
As learnt, many locals are now selling livestock and household belongings just to meet the illegal demands.
Security analyst Bakatsine, who shared the development on his X handle, said the situation reflects “the worsening state of insecurity and lawlessness gripping the North West.”
He lamented that residents of the community, where bandit groups have maintained a strong presence despite security operations, are living in constant fear and distress.
“For many in Kankara, what was called peace has turned into pure extortion,” Bakatsine wrote. “People now have to borrow money or sell what they own just to step onto their farms.”
The analyst warned that such extortion risks triggering a severe food crisis, as many farmers are abandoning their fields or surrendering their produce under threat.
“This isn’t just about money; it destroys confidence in government and discourages agricultural productivity, the lifeline of these rural communities,” he added.
As of this report, the Katsina State government and security agencies have yet to respond to the alleged levy or announce any measures to protect the affected farmers.
