Bandits have taxed some farmers in Birnin-Gwari communities of Kaduna State to pay a N12 million levy before they can harvest their crops this harvesting season.
The bandits were quoted to have threatened that if the farmers failed to pay the N12 million, they risked being kidnapped on the farms.
“The bandits informed some farming communities including Kwaga, Kwanan-Shehu, Unguwan Liman and Unguwan Shekarau to pay levies amounting to N12 million (3 million each) in order for them to be allowed to continue harvesting their crops.
“These communities are giving only grace of coming Friday 30/9/2022 to meet the condition failure of which the bandits vow to kidnap any person found on farms. The Union found that these helpless communities have started making contributions based on farm size to meet the condition and the dateline.
“Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressive Union (BEPU) regret to report that as farmers begin to harvest their crops, armed bandits intensify their attacks and imposed levies on some farming communities in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
“The Union updates that, the 6 people kidnapped at farm centre on Saturday 24/9/2022 who were of Kwaga Community were released yesterday Wednesday 28/9/2022 after providing to the bandits – 20 Mudu of rice, 20 Mudu of beans, 25 litres of red oil, 25 litres of groundnut oil and recharge card of N10,000.
“Also, the 4 people of Unguwan Liman who were kidnapped on Saturday 24/9/2022 and one at Unguwan Shekarau were released yesterday Wednesday after payment of 2 million and N500,000 respectively.
“Regrettably, a farmer was killed at Shiwaka community on Tuesday 27/9/2022 after been tied to a tree; and more than 20 people were kidnapped yesterday Wednesday 28/9/2022 at different farms in JANGALI and KWAGA areas,” the statement said.
