Residents of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are living in fear as the deadline to pay a ₦30 million levy imposed by notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, expires today.
The levy was imposed after the military reportedly killed over 100 of Turji’s cows during an operation several weeks ago.
In a viral video, the bandit leader initially demanded ₦50 million from the community but later reduced the amount to ₦30 million following pleas from the residents.
Speaking to Channels Television, Abdullahi Moriki, a resident of the town, confirmed that the community has been scrambling to gather the funds.
“Each house owner in the town is tasked to pay ₦10,000, while unmarried individuals are to pay ₦2,000,” he explained.
“The situation is really worrisome.
The bandit initially demanded ₦50 million but after several pleas, he cut it down to ₦30 million.
I have a house in Moriki, and they have asked me to pay the ₦10,000,” Abdullahi added.
When asked if security forces were aware of the levy and the threat of violence if the payment is not made, Abdullahi confirmed that authorities had been informed.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, also confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with Channels Television. He assured that security measures had been taken to protect the community.
“We are aware that the bandits have imposed a levy on the people, and we have made joint deployments with the military to secure the area.
We are in constant touch with the residents of Moriki and have adopted necessary measures to ensure their safety,” Dalijan stated.
Despite the increased security presence, the community remains on edge as the deadline looms.
