Bandits kidnap over 100 in Zamfara

Bandits have abducted over 100 persons following an attack on four communities in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the residents were kidnapped by the bandits on Friday night.

It was learnt that the four communities – Mutumji, Sabongari Mahuta, Kwanar Dutsi, and Unguwar Kawo –  in the Maru Local Government Area were raided by the gunmen for failing to pay levies imposed on the communities.

Sources from Mutumji disclosed that the bandits invaded the community at about 8 p.m. after prayers and started shooting sporadically, forcing residents to scamper for safety.

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Residents said a bandits’ kingpin operating in the area, Damina, imposed N110 million “harvesting levy” on the communities, giving them two-week ultimatum to pay.

It was further gathered that N50 million levy was imposed on Mutumji, N30 million on Kwanar Dutsi, N20 million on Sabongari Mahuta, and N10 million on Unguwar Kawo.

Another source from the area told Channels Television that the communities have started gathering the money after the bandits’ attack on Friday night.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has yet to speak on the incident as of press time.

The Star