Notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide has imposed over ₦100 million in levies on 23 communities in Tsafe West, under Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Reports indicate that each community was assigned specific amounts, with the highest levies demanded from Kunchin-Kalgo (₦20 million), Sungawa (₦15 million), and Rakyabu (₦15 million). Other affected villages include Kwaren Mai-Saje (₦10 million), Magazawa (₦10 million), Gijin-Zama (₦8.5 million), Giwa (₦7 million), Kauyen Magaji (₦7 million), and Barebari (₦6 million).

Additional targets are Unguwar Rogo (₦5 million), Machiya (₦5 million), Katuga (₦5 million), Magazu (₦5 million), Tsageru (₦5 million), Gidan-Anne (₦7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (₦5 million), Kauyen-Kane (₦5 million), Kurar-Mota (₦6 million), Kibari (₦3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (₦2.5 million), Karda (₦5 million), Dakolo (₦5 million), and Yalwa (₦2.7 million).

The levy has created panic among residents, who fear violent reprisals if the demands are not met.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dalijan confirmed the situation during a phone interview, assuring residents that security agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to prevent attacks and maintain order.

“It is true that Dogo Gide imposed levies on some communities, but we have deployed our men to those areas. Nobody will threaten them; security agencies are on the ground,” he said.

Dalijan also emphasized that no village has been abandoned, adding, “No community has been deserted, and nobody has fled their homes due to the threats.”

The imposition of levies by bandits is a growing tactic used to extort rural communities in Zamfara, a state grappling with persistent insecurity.

Residents are urging the government to take decisive steps to eliminate banditry and restore peace in the region.