Tension has taken over Kaya village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after armed bandits allegedly threatened residents and demanded a N8 million levy.
The demand is believed to be a revenge move following the killing of Isuhu Buzu, a notorious bandit leader, during a recent security operation carried out by the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Residents of Kaya have denied any involvement in Buzu’s death, saying the levy amounts to collective punishment of innocent people who are already struggling to survive amid ongoing insecurity in the area.
The threats have caused fear and panic in the community, with residents worried about possible attacks, loss of lives, and destruction of homes and farmlands if the money is not paid.
Community leaders have called on the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently deploy more security personnel, step up patrols, and protect Kaya and surrounding villages to prevent further violence.
They stressed that civilians should not be made to suffer for successful security operations, warning that failure to act quickly could trigger another humanitarian crisis.
