By Umar Babangida
A notorious bandit kingpin, known as Babaro, has reportedly imposed a levy on communities in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. The kingpin is said to have demanded a staggering ₦50 million from residents of Gundumar Yargoje, a community under the Kankara LGA.
Kankara is among the local government areas in Katsina State that signed a peace accord with armed groups in an effort to curb persistent attacks. Despite this agreement, communities—particularly Yargoje—continue to suffer violent attacks and intimidation from the armed groups.
Sources within the community disclosed that Babaro issued a stern warning, threatening severe consequences for any village that fails to comply with the imposed levy within the stipulated period.
Residents of Yargoje have appealed to authorities for urgent intervention, expressing deep concern over their safety and the continued pressure from bandits despite the existing peace accord.