Bandits impose N11m levy on Niger farmers to harvest crops

Bandits have imposed a levy of N11 million on villages in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State before allowing them to harvest their crops.

Farmers from the affected communities, which include Dusai, Holobo, Sabon-Wuri, Hunyo, Meba, Farin-Ruwa, Kubashi, Mazame, Kakihun, Mai-kanwa and Kuimo in the Gulbin Boka Ward of Mohoro District, told Daily Trust that despite their pleas for intervention, neither state nor federal authorities have provided assistance.

One of the farmers, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the bandits were also demanding motorcycles, mobile phones, and food supplies in exchange for the release of individuals they have taken hostage.

When contacted, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman of the Niger State Police Command, said he would provide further details, though no updates were available at the time of reporting.

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However, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, assured that efforts were underway to address the situation as quickly as possible.