Africa-Press – Nigeria. Residents of Bazar community and nearby villages in Yabo Local Government Area of Sokoto State have appealed to the state government for urgent assistance after bandits reportedly imposed a N15 million levy on them.
The frightened citizens said they fear renewed attacks if they fail to meet their demands.
Speaking to journalists, a resident, Alhaji Dauda Umar confirmed the development, saying the bandits threatened to unleash violence if the money was not paid.
“It is true that the bandits demanded a ransom of fifteen million naira from us, threatening to cause harm if we don’t comply,” Umar said. “I don’t know their exact plans, but I heard that arrangements to pay the money are already in progress.”
He recalled that the attackers invaded Bazar one Friday night around 11:40 p.m. and operated freely until about 1:06 a.m.
“They took seven people away but later released the village head and five others after warning them not to report the incident. They also looted shops and stole goods worth millions of naira,” he added.
Umar said the community has been under repeated attacks for years and expressed shock at how familiar the bandits seem with the area.“We’ve reported the matter to the authorities, including the police, but we need more help. Our people are living in fear,” he lamented.
He called on the chairman of Yabo Local Government to urgently escalate the matter to the Sokoto State Government to prevent further attacks and protect their lives and livelihoods.
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