Armed bandits have imposed an ₦8 million levy on residents of Kaya village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following the killing of a notorious bandit commander during a recent security operation.
Sources told Starnews NG that the threat was issued on Tuesday, throwing the community into fear and uncertainty. The levy is reportedly a retaliatory measure over the death of Isuhu Buzu, a known bandit leader who was killed during a joint operation involving the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Residents of Kaya village have denied any involvement in the operation that led to Buzu’s death, insisting that the community had no links to the security action. They described the demand as an act of collective punishment against innocent civilians.
A Katsina-based security expert, Malam Bakatsine, confirmed that the levy has heightened tension in the area, with residents expressing fears of violent reprisals, loss of lives, and destruction of property if the demand is not met.
Community leaders have appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene by deploying additional security personnel, intensifying patrols, and securing Kaya village and surrounding communities to prevent further attacks.
They warned that civilians should not be made to bear the consequences of counterterrorism operations, stressing the need for proactive measures to prevent armed groups from carrying out revenge attacks on vulnerable communities.
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