Residents of Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni communities in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State have been thrown into panic after bandits loyal to a notorious armed leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, reportedly imposed a fresh levy of ₦10 million on each community.
Naijaonpoint reports that the demand, which amounts to ₦20 million from the two communities, comes despite previous peace agreements said to have been reached between local authorities, community leaders and representatives of armed groups operating in the area.
The development has renewed concern over the security situation in parts of Katsina State, particularly in rural communities where residents continue to live under threats from armed groups.
Security analyst and crisis journalist, Bakastine, disclosed the development in a post on his 𝕏 handle, raising alarm over the continued exposure of rural settlements to bandit attacks and intimidation.
According to him, the fresh levy has caused fear among residents, with many families reportedly abandoning their homes over concerns that the armed group may attack if the money is not paid.
Naijaonpoint understands that the demand had heightened tension in the affected communities, where residents have repeatedly complained of poor security presence and recurring threats from bandits.
According to Bakatsine, some residents also expressed frustration over what they described as a repeated cycle of negotiations, temporary calm and fresh intimidation by armed groups.
They questioned the effectiveness of the peace deals earlier brokered in the area, saying the latest demand showed that the agreements had failed to guarantee lasting safety.
The situation has again raised questions over the sustainability of peace arrangements between communities and armed groups in parts of the North-West.
Despite ongoing security operations in Katsina State, the bandits are said to still maintain influence in several rural areas, leaving farming communities vulnerable.
Many farmers in the affected areas are also said to be afraid of accessing their farmlands, a development that could worsen hardship in communities already battling insecurity and displacement.
A source familiar with the situation said the payment of levies to bandits had become a dangerous pattern in some parts of the region.
“Such arrangements, often referred to locally as ‘peace deals,’ have failed to provide lasting security, instead creating a cycle of intimidation and forced compliance,” Daily Post quoted the individual as saying.
Security analysts have warned that continued payment of levies to armed groups could further embolden bandits and increase their control over vulnerable communities.
They said such demands, if not checked, could allow criminal groups to expand their influence across more rural settlements.
Bakastine also questioned the effectiveness of existing security strategies, asking whether enough enforcement mechanisms were in place to protect communities that remain exposed to attacks.
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