Hundreds of residents across 23 communities in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State have fled their homes for fear of being attacked by the notorious bandits’ leader, Dogo Gide, if they fail to pay the levies he placed on them.
Confirming the incident to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, a lawmaker in the Zamfara State House of Assembly said over two-third of residents of the affected communities have fled their homes for fear of attack by the bandits.
“I can confirm to you that hundreds of residents in Tsafe west have fled their homes because of the hefty levies imposed on them by the bandits.
“Sincerely speaking, the bandits have changed their mode of operations in the recent days because killing and kidnapping have subsided to the barest level in this area but they are collecting huge money from their victims as levies. People are paying huge sums of money in silence as levies to the bandits.”
Also, confirming the development, the Zamfara State Police Commissioner, CP Muhammad Shehu Dalija said: “Yes, I was briefed by the Area Commander in-charge of Gusau Zone that the notorious bandits’ leader, Dogo Gide has imposed levies on some communities in Tsafe Local Government.
“Though we have not heard about the fleeing of residents from their homes, there is every possibility for them to vacate their residences to avoid attack by the bandits. If they fail to pay the levies, the bandits can possibly attack them.
“However, we are mobilising more security personnel, including soldiers, DSS and mobile policemen, to the affected areas to protect the residents against any possible attacks by the bandits.
“I want to assure the affected communities of deployment of more security personnel to protect them. This is unacceptable; we cannot fold our arms watching the bandits terrorising residents. We must ensure that law and order are respected in the state and whoever tries to breach peace will pay the consequences of his actions.”
Dogo Gide, as gathered by Daily Trust, has imposed levies totaling over ₦100 million on the 23 communities, primarily located in Tsafe West, Tsafe LGA of the state.
The affected communities, according to our reporter, include Kunchin-Kalgo (₦20 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), Rakyabu (₦15 million), Kwaren Mai-Saje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), Barebari (₦6 million), Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Machiya (₦5 million), and Katuga (₦5 million).
Other communities include Magazu (₦5 million), Tsageru (₦5 million), Gidan-Anne (₦7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (₦5 million), Kauyen-Kane (₦5 million), Kurar-Mota (₦6 million), Kibari (₦3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (₦2.5 million), Karda (₦5 million), Dakolo (₦5 million), and Yalwa (₦2.7 million).
