WATCH: Terrorists Storm Katsina Communities, Impose Levy on Farmers Amid “Peace Deal”

WATCH: Terrorists Storm Katsina Communities, Impose Levy on Farmers Amid “Peace Deal”

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi

Armed men believed to be terrorists have reportedly demanded a ₦20 million levy from farmers in at least nine communities of Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, before allowing them to harvest their crops. (Fij)

According to a source who spoke anonymously to FIJ, the levy was imposed in late October, and farmers were told they could not access their farmlands unless they paid up. (Fij) Some community members, already gripped by fear, have begun selling their belongings to raise the money. (Fij)

Conflict journalist Bakatsine, who first broke the story via a post on X, criticized what is being called a “peace deal” — suggesting that the agreement offers little real protection to the farmers. (Daily Post) He argued that the extortion undermines confidence in government institutions:

“For many farmers … the so-called peace deal has only brought deeper fear … Families now sell their belongings or borrow money just to pay bandits before entering their farmlands.” (Abuja Press)

In a particularly alarming twist, these demands are being made even in places that are not formally part of any government-brokered peace negotiations. Residents of Gatakawa, Zango, Gazawa, Pauwa, Goricha, and others have reportedly been barred from accessing their crops unless they meet the terrorists’ conditions. (Fij)

This form of extortion is not new in the region. In Ilali village, for example, bandits allegedly demanded ₦5 million from residents as a “peace levy” ahead of the harvest. (Daily Post) Similarly, a local councillor in Malumfashi LGA has warned that bandits are demanding ₦10 million plus two motorcycles from several villages — amounting to a ₦15 million tax ‒ just to farm. (allAfrica.com)

In Tashar Kaɗanya, also in Katsina, one report claims bandits imposed a staggering ₦60 million levy, with threats of violence if payment is not made. (Daily Post)

This extortion scheme, dressed as a “peace deal,” threatens not only the farmers' livelihoods but also food security. Analysts warn that it is fundamentally unjust for communities to pay for the right to work their own land.

Global Egberi Media International calls on the federal and Katsina State governments to urgently investigate these alarming demands. Security agencies must intervene decisively to protect vulnerable farmers from further exploitation.

---

Contact Global Egberi Media International
📞 0813 490 2214
📧 globalegberimedia@gmail.com