Nigeria Kaduna Villagers Forced to Pay Bandits Before Harvesting Crops

Villagers in Kaduna state find themselves compelled to pay hefty levies to bandits before harvesting crops, as terror spreads through communities.

Farmers from Kidandan and Galadima villages are enduring such demands, while those in Angular Fala’u and Kerawa face constant harassment and kidnappings during farm work. Residents reveal payments ranging from N70,000 to N100,000, with non-compliance resulting in kidnappings, killings, or the seizure of farm produce by the bandits. Negotiations for farm access are perilous, requiring face-to-face talks with the bandit warlord.

Calls for federal government and security agencies to intensify raids in Giwa LGA bandit camps echo the pleas of a displaced community leader, warning of potential food shortages if farmers continue to abandon their fields due to insecurity.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the state Police Command has yet to issue an official response. In a related incident, bandits invaded Anguwar Algaita village, abducting 12 residents, with subsequent discoveries of two bodies and one injured individual, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention.