In Shinkafi Local Government, Zamfara State, three communities found themselves compelled to pay a sum of N3 million to a notorious banditry figure, who goes by the alias Dan Bokolo, in a bid to stave off potential attacks, as reported by Igbere TV.
This terrorist is purportedly harboring anger towards the inhabitants of Kamarawa, Sabuwar Kamarawa, and Gebe communities, accusing them of divulging information to security personnel that ultimately led to the apprehension of his brother, Abdullahi.
It’s noteworthy that the payment of this protection fee stands in direct opposition to the stance of the state’s governor, Dauda Lawal, who has consistently affirmed the government’s refusal to engage in dialogue with these terrorists.
According to information from local sources, the terrorist’s sibling, Abdullahi, was apprehended at a local market within the vicinity while conducting his business. Allegedly, certain members of the community disclosed his whereabouts to security authorities.
“That was the beginning of our troubles,” a resident of Kamarawa who sought anonymity told a reporter. “Dan Bokolo was angry because he was told that it was people from any of these three communities that gave information that led to the arrest of his brother.”
The terrorist was planning to attack the communities when elders in the area decided to reach out to him for a peace deal.
“Our elders were able to convince some Fulani elders that Abdullahi was arrested by the security agents and it was not anyone from our community that gave out the information. He (Dan Bokolo) was convinced that our people didn’t “betray” his brother but he still said we must buy peace from him.
After a series of negotiations, the terrorist, Dan Bokolo agreed that the three villages should pay and fine of N3 million for telling on his brother. He had originally asked for N6 million.
Basharu Guyawa, a peace advocate and a human rights activist, said payment of protection levies has become a norm in eastern Sokoto and Zamfara.
He said he spoke to various residents in Kamarawa who told him the communities have raised the money the terrorists demanded.
“Bello Turji [another notorious terrorist] had to intervene for Dan Bokolo to even listen to the people of the communities. The problem is how sure are we that he is going to keep to his promise not to attack the area?” Mr Guyawa said.
Terrorists in the state and other areas especially in Sokoto and Katsina are fond of taxing residents of local communities.
Last year, it was reported how residents of 14 communities of Anka Local Government paid N19 million and provided a canoe to terrorists to avoid being attacked. The payment was also a levy the terrorist demanded to allow the agrarian communities to cultivate their farms.
Several communities have also been forced into paying millions of naira by the terrorists as documented by PREMIUM TIMES in a month-long investigation.
