Bandits in Niger State’s Mariga Local Government Area have imposed a staggering N11 million levy on farmers in several villages, including Dusai, Holobo, and Sabon-Wuri, in exchange for permission to harvest their crops.
This disturbing development has left farmers feeling helpless and frustrated, with one anonymous farmer revealing that bandits are also demanding motorcycles, mobile phones, and food supplies in exchange for releasing hostages ¹.
The affected communities have pleaded for intervention from state and federal authorities, but so far, none has been forthcoming. SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, promised to provide updates but had none at the time of reporting ¹.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Bello Abdullahi Mohammed (Rtd), Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, has assured that efforts are underway to address the situation as quickly as possible ¹.
This shocking news highlights the dire security situation in the region and the desperate measures bandits are taking to exploit vulnerable farmers. The World Bank has warned that reversing President Tinubu’s policies could spell doom for Nigeria, amidst concerns over security agents supplying arms to terrorists and bandits ¹.