Bandits have given residents of Ilali village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State a two-week deadline to raise and pay a levy of N10 million or face violent attacks.
According to SaharaReporters, the demand was conveyed through an intermediary during a meeting with community leaders, where the bandits warned that only payment would guarantee the villagers’ safety.
A source confirmed that security agencies are aware of the situation but said many residents have already fled their homes in fear of reprisal.
“Fulani bandits this week asked several villages in our area to pay levies. My own village, Ilali in Matazu LGA, was told to pay N10 million if we want to cultivate our farms. They gave us two weeks to comply, threatening to attack the entire community if we don’t,” one villager said.
Another resident described the development as deeply distressing, noting that those who remain in the village are living in constant fear while others have already abandoned their homes.
Katsina State has continued to suffer deadly attacks from armed gangs who raid rural communities, steal cattle, and kidnap residents for ransom. Farming and herding settlements have been among the worst affected.
