Bandits invade four villages in Zamfara and kidnap more than 100 residents for not paying fees

Bandits believed to be led by the notorious commander, Damina, have killed a resident and abducted over 100 villagers, mostly women and children, in Maru Local Government Area of ​​Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the bandits invaded four villages, Mutunji, Sabongari Mahuta, Kwanar Dutsi and Unguwar Kawo, all under Maru LGA for not paying taxes imposed on the communities.

Damina terrorized the community and imposed a tax of over N110 million on farmers before they could access their farms.

A resident of Mutunji, who yearned for anonymity, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Saturday, November 25, 2023, said the bandits attacked on Friday night.

“The latest attack occurred because farmers could not pay the N110 million levy imposed on farmers by Damina,” the source said.

“The bandits arrived on many motorcycles, surrounded the community and left with the population on Friday night. We need help, the situation is beyond our control.

“Two weeks ago, there was confusion among the bandits after they were hit on the ground by a plane.

“The bandits asked the people of Mutunji to give them N50 million, those of Fara to give them N30 million, Mahuta 20 million, Unguwan Kawo 10 million.

“This is a total of N110 million demanded by Damina.

“Until Friday, residents were unable to meet the bandits’ demands.

“Damina came to Mutunji and killed one, injured another and took more than 100 villagers to the forest.

“Damina operated between 9:40 pm and around 11 pm. He took what he wanted and left. He said they should give him the sum of N110 million.

“Previously, he was given N8 million, N10 million, even N20 million was given to him at different times. Unspecified amounts were provided; we should just leave the matter to Allah Almighty.”

Another Mutunji resident said the bandits carried out operations in four villages simultaneously.

“They immediately entered the village of Mutunji and began firing shots sporadically into the air to scare the residents. As expected, people started running for their lives,” he said.

“The bandits then rounded up the weak among the residents, who were mostly women and children. Of course, the disabled residents escaped. While they were operating, I tried calling a friend in the nearby village of Kwanar-Dutse to look for help, but he told me they were also under attack.

“Ibrahim told me that at the time I was talking to him, he was in the bush along with some people after escaping.”

Another resident, who also requested anonymity, said the bandits may be from the same gang, but they were divided into four, with each group attacking a village.

“We learned that after separate operations in the four villages, the bandits regrouped and dragged those kidnapped into the bush. The bandits are now attacking villages and abducting their victims at will. They no longer face any resistance from security personnel. security. In fact, the residents have already been abandoned. We do not receive any help from the security personnel whenever the bandits operate

“The issue is that even if security or traditional rulers are informed, nothing is being done to prevent such an attack. Sometimes, we get to know that bandits are coming, but even if we inform the relevant authorities, it won’t have any positive impact.”

Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com