- Force Sokoto farmers to pay ‘harvest levies’
It is not the best of times for farmers in parts of Zamfara and Sokoto States as armed bandits continue to run riot with intimidation and imposition of stringent conditions on farming communities in both states.
Unable to shake off debilitating fear for their lives and livelihoods, the community members have raised alarm over constant harassment and increasing levies imposed by the criminal elements this harvest season.
According to most residents of the affected communities, despite favourable rainfall in recent years, widespread attacks have turned their farmlands into war zones, with the farmers living in constant fear while threatening food production and supplies across Northern Nigeria.
Reports indicated that the villagers now battle with honouring the bandits’ excessive demands that come by way of what they described as “harvest taxes”.
It is gathered that the bandits always demand payments in cash or agricultural produce before allowing farmers to access or harvest their fields.
In some locations, community sources said the armed groups openly mount checkpoints around villages, collect levies, and punish those who are unable to meet their demands.
One community leader, who volunteered to some journalists the unfortunate state of affairs in their area, said, “We are living under a parallel authority”.
On his part, a farmer from Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said, “They gave us a timetable on when to go to our farms, how much to pay, and they also take a portion of our grains. Those who refuse are attacked or abducted.
“The situation is not funny because it has forced many farmers to abandon their fields even as crops are due for harvest.”
Meanwhile, reports from Isa, Sabon Birni and Goronyo areas of Sokoto State said similar conditions are ground, with most communities completely deserted, farmlands unattended, and markets experiencing food shortages as prices continue to soar astronomical and out of reach for many families.
Additionally, some distrssed’worry-striken community members admitted that they are overwhelmed by the security challenges and pleaded that the Federal Government should intervene and ensure sustained military patrols towards securing rural areas ahead of peak harvesting activities.
“Without protection, our efforts are wasted. We may face famine despite having good rains,” said one farmer from Bakura in Zamfara State.
Farmers’ associations and local leaders are appealing to the Federal Government and security chiefs to deploy troops across hotspot areas, particularly during the harvest season.
Residents warn that they now live in fear, not of failed harvests, but of armed groups imposing levies and violence, worsening insecurity, and undermining agricultural productivity across the region.
Available reports indicated that over 16 community members in Sabo village, Murai ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State were kidnapped by bandits whose activities have ravaged the Northwest state.
I⁴ was gathered that youths from Gidan Matan Aure village have mobilised to protect their village ahead of an attack on neighbouring Sado village and according to a villager, Muhammad Usman, the operation by the bandits was carried out on Wednesday, November 6, 2025.
It was also learnt that the armed terrorists stormed the Sado community amid heavy surveillance and engagement by the local vigilantes from the area.
Narrating their sordid experience, the District Head of Sado, Aliyu Saidu, said, “The bandits entered the community without notice, the vigilantes worked hard to repel the attack, but the terrorists overpowered them, considering the large number of assailants who stormed the village.” – With agency reports
