Bandits threaten to tax farmers in Niger

Farmers in Atabo and adjoining communities in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State have expressed fear, following a threat reportedly from bandits to tax them before giving permission for the harvest of their crops in the dry season.

Daily Trust gathered that the bandits invaded the Atabo community on Tuesday and abducted the Village Head, Alhaji Mairabo and his younger brother simply identified as Usman.

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A resident from the community told our correspondent on phone that the village head was released on Wednesday while abductors held on to the younger brother.

“They released the village head on Wednesday and he was told to inform the family of his younger brother to pay N7 million ransom. They also told him that if this ransom was not paid on time, they would not allow us to harvest our crops this dry season until we pay tax. As I speak with you, some people have fled their homes since Tuesday’s attack,” he said.

Residents appealed to the government to assist them with security operatives to enable them to harvest their crops.