Crime
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
By: Our Reporter
Bandits reportedly levied three communities in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara state, Northwest Nigeria, N3 million each (about $3000 USD) to a notorious bandit kingpin, known as Dan Bokolo, in order to avert attacks by the group terrorizing the communities.
NEWSng also gathered that the payment is believed to be a consequence of the alleged provision of information to security operatives by residents of Kamarawa, Sabuwar Kamarawa, and Gebe that led to the arrest of Dan Bokolo’s brother, Abdullahi.
While the state governor, Dauda Lawal, has maintained a stance against negotiating with terrorists, local sources indicate that the payment was made to ensure the safety of the communities.
According to a resident who spoke anonymously, the arrest of Abdullahi triggered tension as Dan Bokolo believed that individuals from these communities had betrayed his brother.
In an effort to broker peace, community elders engaged in negotiations with the terrorist. Eventually, Dan Bokolo agreed to accept a reduced sum of N3 million, down from his initial demand of N6 million, as compensation for the perceived betrayal.
Peace advocate and human rights activist Basharu Guyawa highlighted that such protection levies have become commonplace in eastern Sokoto and Zamfara.
While the communities have reportedly complied with the demands, concerns remain about the bandit’s commitment to refraining from future attacks.
Terrorists in Zamfara, as well as neighboring Sokoto and Katsina, have been known to impose levies on local communities.
This practice has been documented in previous instances, including the payment of N19 million by 14 communities in Anka Local Government to secure their safety and agricultural activities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara state governor on broadcast and public affairs, Mustapha Jafaru, clarified that the state government was not involved in the agreement.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently emphasized that the government will not engage in negotiations with criminals,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the people of Zamfara State.
Recall that for over a decade, terrorists have operated in the northwestern region of Nigeria, with their activities escalating after the 2019 general election.
Terrorists have targeted travelers on major highways and carried out attacks on rural communities, leading to widespread insecurity and humanitarian concerns.
Basharu Guyawa, in his opinion, said that the levy being paid by these communities from previous payments as such is never a guarantee that the bandits will not attack again.
Nigeria: Bandits tax communities to avoid attacks in Zamfara
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A joint security operation has reclaimed several deserted villages in the Horop District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, following persistent attacks and occupation by suspected Fulani militias.
Zagazola Makama was reliably informed that the clearance operation was launched after residents of Hokk and neighboring villages fled their homes, reporting that the attackers had taken over their communities and erected temporary shelters.
In response, a combined troops of the Nigerian Army, team of Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and secure the villages.
The troops, encountered strong resistance from the armed attackers. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the attackers were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat into nearby bushes.
During the operation, several makeshift huts erected by the militias were destroyed, and two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing assailants were recovered.
Authorities say patrols and security presence in the area have been intensified to prevent further incursions and allow displaced villagers to safely return to their homes.
Security forces repel attack, reclaim villages in Bokkos LGA, Plateau
Mentally unstable man kills 6-year-old boy in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A 30-year-old man, identified as Basiru Umaru, has allegedly killed a six-year-old boy, Aliyu Muhammed, in Mariga Town, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The tragic incident occurred on June 28 at about 9:00 p.m., when the suspect, said to be mentally unstable, reportedly lured the child to a riverside in the area.
According to community sources, the suspect tied the boy’s hands and legs before throwing him into the river, where he drowned.
The parents of the deceased, who had declared him missing, were later led to the riverbank by the suspect himself. The child’s lifeless body was recovered shortly after.
Police personnel were deployed to the scene. The corpse was taken to a medical facility for autopsy, while concerned community members mobilised to ensure the suspect was restrained and isolated from the public.
Medical and mental health professionals are expected to conduct psychiatric evaluation on the suspect to determine his state of mind at the time of the incident.
End
Hoodlums attack Life Camp residence, injure housemaid
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers have attacked residence in the Life Camp area of Abuja, during which a housemaid was injured and valuables carted away.
The incident occurred on June 29 at about 3:00 a.m., according to a complaint lodged by the victim, Mrs. Okoli Uheoma, at the Life Camp Divisional Police Headquarters.
Mrs. Uheoma, who resides at No. 12 Asba Dantata Street, Old Gwarinpa Road, reported that five hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons broke into her apartment and made away with two laptops, two mobile phones, and assorted jewellery.
The attackers reportedly stabbed the family dog and inflicted knife wounds on her housemaid, identified simply as Agatha, who was later rushed to Cardio Care Hospital, Garki, for treatment.
Police detectives were immediately deployed to the scene and the hospital. Photographic evidence was taken as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police sources say efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the fleeing suspects and assured residents of its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the area.
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