Fresh tension has gripped parts of Katsina State after suspected bandits reportedly imposed a N10 million levy each on residents of Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni communities in Bakori Local Government Area.
The armed group is said to be loyal to notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, despite previous peace agreements reached between community leaders, local authorities and representatives of armed gangs operating in the area.
The latest development was revealed by security analyst and conflict journalist, Bakatsine, in a post shared on his X handle on Wednesday.
According to reports from the affected communities, the fresh demand has sparked panic among residents, with several families allegedly fleeing their homes over fears of possible attacks.
Residents lamented that repeated peace negotiations had failed to provide lasting protection, describing the situation as a cycle of intimidation and renewed threats.
Sources within the communities said the latest levy had further worsened insecurity in the area, where residents already face inadequate security presence and frequent attacks.
Despite ongoing military and security operations across parts of Katsina State, armed groups are still believed to control several remote communities, forcing farmers and villagers to live in constant fear.
The development has also raised fresh concerns over the effectiveness of local peace deals often brokered between authorities and bandit groups in parts of the North-West.
Observers warned that continued payment of levies to armed gangs could strengthen their operations and encourage similar demands in other vulnerable communities.
Bakatsine questioned the sustainability of current security strategies, stressing the need for stronger enforcement measures to protect rural residents from recurring threats and extortion.
