‘You’ll Be Kidnapped or Killed’: Bandits Ban Farming in Sokoto, Demand Levies From 26 Communities

• Residents of at least 26 communities in Sokoto State are reportedly raising money to pay bandits who have barred them from accessing their farmlands ahead of the farming season, sparking fears of worsening food insecurity.

Residents of no fewer than 26 communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State have reportedly begun contributing money to pay fresh levies allegedly imposed by bandits before they can return to their farms.

The development comes as farmers prepare for the wet-season farming period, raising fresh concerns about food production and insecurity in rural communities.

According to reports, the armed groups issued a three-day ultimatum to the affected communities, warning residents not to engage in farming activities until the demanded payments are made.

Residents said the bandits threatened to kill or abduct anyone found farming during the period.

The affected communities reportedly include Garin Faji, Cina Barka, Zululu, Dan Gari, Garin Maigayya, Gardi, Katsira, Garin Baushe, Sulmawa, Zakin Ganga, Dan Kware, Garje, Dogon Faru, Son Allah, Garin Galadima, Kafchi, Matabaya, Garin Labo, Zango, Kaifin Aska, Tsauna Dogo, Tudun Wada, Rambadawa, Ga Itace, Nasarawa and Garin Idi.

A source familiar with the situation said fear had spread across the communities as farmers prepared to begin planting.

“The communities were given three days. They said nobody should go to the farms until the money is paid. Anyone caught farming would either be killed or kidnapped and would not regain freedom until a ransom of ₦500,000 is paid.”

Residents said contributions have already commenced to meet the demands of the bandits.

A resident of Zululu village, who spoke anonymously, said the communities were informed that farming activities would remain suspended until the levies were settled.

“We were told that the bandits had banned farming activities for three days until the villages paid the levies they impose every year.”

He added that the bandits claimed security operatives had seized their livestock and insisted that farming would not resume until payments were made.

Traditional rulers and Islamic clerics are reportedly expected to engage with the armed groups to determine how much each community will contribute.

Residents also lamented that such payments have become a recurring burden.

“We pay before planting and sometimes every two or three months. Even after paying now, they may return in about three months and say nobody should harvest millet until another levy is paid.”

According to locals, communities are often asked to pay between ₦4 million and ₦6 million, with households contributing according to their financial capacity.

Another source alleged that about 20 residents of Garin Idi village were recently abducted after delays in meeting the bandits’ demands.

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The source claimed that the victims were later released after a ransom of ₦600,000 was reportedly paid.

When contacted, the Sokoto State Police Command said it was unaware of the development.

“We are not aware of such a situation. Most times, communities do not report these kinds of incidents to security agencies,” the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, reportedly said.

As of the time of filing this report, government authorities had yet to issue an official statement.

Residents fear the restriction on farming could worsen hardship, hunger and displacement in communities that rely heavily on agriculture for survival.