Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has reportedly imposed over ₦100 million in levies on 23 communities in Tsafe West, under Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State.
According to Channels Television, the communities were assigned specific amounts, with the highest levies demanded from Kunchin-Kalgo (₦20 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), and Rakyabu (₦15 million).
Other affected communities include Kwaren Mai-Saje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), and Barebari (₦6 million).
Additional villages targeted are Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Machiya (₦5 million), Katuga (₦5 million), 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).
The demands have sparked fear and tension among residents, who are scrambling to meet the levies amid concerns over potential violent reprisals.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, confirmed the development in a phone conversation with Channels Television. He assured that security forces have been deployed to the affected areas to maintain order and prevent attacks.
“It is true, bandit kingpin Dogo Gide imposed levies on some communities, but we have deployed our men to those areas, nobody will threaten them, security agencies are in those communities.”
CP Dalijan added that no village or community has been deserted
“No community has been deserted, and nobody has fled their homes due to the threats,” Dalijan said, emphasizing the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents in the region.
The imposition of levies by bandits has become a recurring strategy to extort rural communities in Zamfara, which has been plagued by insecurity.
Residents are calling for more decisive government action to end the menace and restore peace to the state.