Farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, say they have been asked to pay N20 million by bandits before being allowed to access their farmlands this harvest season.
Residents described the demand as yet another blow to an already struggling agricultural sector, accusing the armed groups of turning farming into a “ransom business.”
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said the bandits impose levies on farmers during both planting and harvest periods.
“They ask for money before we can plant, and when it’s time to harvest, they demand another payment,” he said. “We can’t farm on our own land in peace anymore. We must pay the bandits before we can even touch our crops.”
According to him, the latest threat came with a warning from the attackers: “Bring N20 million or forget your farms.”
Another resident disclosed that those who attempt to access their farms secretly, especially at night, are often abducted or killed.
Information obtained from a security analyst, Bakastine, indicated that the affected communities have come under repeated attacks in recent months, with bandits tightening their grip on rural farmlands.
“These attacks have become a form of economic warfare,” Bakastine said. “The bandits use fear and extortion to dominate rural communities.”
Farmers are now appealing to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently, saying that peace talks and military operations have failed to bring lasting relief.
“We are tired of peace talks that change nothing,” one farmer lamented. “We just want to farm and live in peace again.”