By Desire Emmanuel
Some bandits have imposed N5 million levy and demanded brand-new motorcycles from residents of two communities in Katsina State for the residents to enjoy continued peace.
The bandits made the demands after abducting the head of one of the communities while the leader of the second community, who was earlier abducted, was later released after payment of N100,000 and donation of a motorcycle.
It was gathered that residents of Gidan Mai Jimina community stated that on Monday, the bandits abducted the head of the community, Malam Habibu, but later released him after the donation of the motorcycle and the money.
The bandits later went away and kidnapped the head of nearby Garangozai community, Malam Sule. Both communities are in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.
A source close to the state told Impact Nigeria News Online on Tuesday morning that residents of both communities got information on Monday night that the bandits have returned to the axis and are currently camped along the route between Gidan Tulluwa, Gangaren Rafi and Gindin Mangwarori, ready to launch attacks.
They also got information that the bandits have ordered residents of the two communities to provide ₦5 million and new motorcycles before 4:00 p.m. today (Tuesday), warning that refusal would lead to severe consequences.
“Fear is spreading across the affected communities as residents plead for urgent security intervention,” the source said.
In another cheering development, on Monday evening, a fierce gun battle occurred between vigilantes and bandits in Wamba axis of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
During the encounter, Several bandits were killed, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds. No casualties or injuries were recorded among the vigilantes.
