Residents of Garin Lamido and Yan Shuni communities in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State are facing renewed tension after bandits loyal to notorious armed leader Isiya Kwashen Garwa reportedly imposed fresh levies of N10 million each on the two communities.
The latest demand comes despite several peace agreements previously brokered between local authorities, community leaders and representatives of armed groups operating in the area.
The development was disclosed by security analyst and crisis journalist Bakastine in a post shared on his X handle, where he expressed concern over the continued vulnerability of rural communities in the state.
According to the analyst, the fresh levy has sparked panic among residents, forcing several families to flee their homes for fear of possible attacks by the armed group.
Sources from the affected communities said the demand has further increased tension in the area, which has continued to suffer recurring insecurity and inadequate security presence.
Residents also questioned the effectiveness of the peace agreements previously reached with the bandits, describing the situation as a repeated cycle of negotiations followed by fresh threats and violations.
Despite ongoing security operations across parts of Katsina State, armed groups are reportedly still maintaining control in several rural communities, worsening fears among farmers who rely heavily on access to their farmlands for survival.
Hobnob News Nigeria gathered that the development reflects a growing pattern across the North-West region, where bandit groups impose levies on communities and later carry out attacks when their demands are not met.
“Such arrangements, often referred to locally as ‘peace deals,’ have failed to provide lasting security, instead creating a cycle of intimidation and forced compliance,” a source familiar with the situation said.
Security observers have also warned that the continued payment of levies to armed groups could further embolden them and expand their influence across more rural settlements.
Bakastine further questioned the sustainability of current security strategies, raising concerns over whether adequate enforcement mechanisms are in place to protect vulnerable communities from persistent attacks and extortion.
