The residents of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are in fear as the deadline given them by notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, to pay an imposed ₦30m levy expires today.
The bandit kingpin, in a viral video imposed the ₦30m levy on the community, following the killing of over 100 cows belonging to him by the military some weeks ago.
The dreaded bandit kingpin had earlier demanded that the community pay him ₦50m but later reduced it to ₦30m.
An indigene of the town, Abdullahi Moriki told Channels Television that the community have been sourcing for the money to pay the bandits leader
According to him, each house owner in the town are tasked to pay ₦10,000 each while unmarried individuals are to pay ₦2,000 each
“The situation is really worrisome, the bandits kingpin initially demanded for N50m but after several pleas he cut it to ₦30m. Right now, each house owner in Moriki are asked to pay ₦10,000.”
“I have house in Moriki, they have asked me to pay the ₦10,000.” The source added.
When asked if the security agencies are aware of the levy and the threat of violence if the payment is not made, Moriki said the security agencies are aware of the whole situation.
Confirming the development to Channels Television via telephone conversation, the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan said the security agencies know the situation.
He added that the joint security forces comprising of the Nigerian Police and the Army have deployed additional troops to the area to provide adequate security.
“We are aware that they (bandits) have imposed levy on them, we have made adequate joint deployment by the police and the military to the whole environment, and we are in touch with the people of Moriki.”
“We have adopted a the necessary measures for us to protect the people of Moriki.”
