Bandits have reportedly taken control of several communities in Niger State, setting up toll gates and imposing levies on farmers and residents.
The affected areas include Dogon-Dawa, Kurege, Kangarewa, Mangoro, and others, where the bandits are said to be governing the territories according to their own rules.
Residents have reported that the terrorists have imposed restrictions on the free movement of goods and people, compelling them to pay levies before traveling.
According to eyewitnesses, last Sunday, residents were forced to pay a levy of N3.5 million before vehicles carrying their belongings were permitted to leave the area.
The bandits have not spared farmers as well, demanding levies on crops and forcing them to pay before being allowed to harvest their produce.
The situation has escalated to the extent that even Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) seeking to leave the area are required to pay specific levies before their departure, the witness alleged.
A local source revealed that the bandits have created their own territory, operating without opposition.
Vehicles leaving the area are reportedly charged between N200,000 to N300,000, with instances where a combination of three vehicles is compelled to pay N1 million before being allowed to exit.
When contacted for a statement on the matter, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police, Wasiu Abiodun, assured that an investigation would be conducted, and further information would be provided.
Terrorists allegedly take over Niger communities, enforce levies on residents
