As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of sustained attacks, bandit groups under the command of a well-known kingpin are reportedly demanding that residents in several rural settlements in Katsina State jointly raise N50 million or risk mass abduction.
The levy, as gathered, was issued by Mustapha Babaro, a notorious bandit leader operating around Yargoje and neighbouring communities in Kankara Local Government Area.
The demand, made against the will of residents, has revived longstanding fears that bandit groups are expanding their revenue-driven terror tactics despite previous peace dialogues.
Bakatsine, a security analyst who disclosed the development yesterday, said the warning was circulated across the affected villages with clear instructions and a blunt message outlining the consequences if the amount is not paid.
According to him, residents confirmed that the directive was delivered on Saturday with a strict deadline for compliance.
“Community members told me the warning was unambiguous. They were told to raise N50 million within a specific timeframe or face the threat of mass abduction,” Bakatsine said.
He added that this latest incident mirrors a similar demand recently imposed on another local government area that had also participated in dialogue with bandit groups.
“It is disturbing that this is happening again in a place that held two peace parleys in less than three months,” he said.
“One wonders what kind of truce authorities believe they are reaching and how effective it is in safeguarding these communities,” the analyst added.
