Crime

Sokoto: How Over N160 Billion Paid in Ransom and Levies to Bandits in Five Years, Claims Group

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 31st, 2024.

Sokoto: How Over N160 Billion Paid in Ransom and Levies to Bandits in Five Years, Claims Group

The Gobir Development Association has reported that Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State has paid a staggering N160 billion to bandits over the past five years. This amount includes both ransom payments and levies imposed by the criminals.

In a statement released by the group’s chairman, Idris Gatawa, and secretary, Professor Aliyu Gobir, they condemned the recent murder of their District Head, Muhammad Bawa, who was kidnapped and killed by bandits. The group detailed that more than N60 billion was paid in ransom, over N100 billion in levies, and at least N2 billion in losses due to bandit activities.

The group also reported that around 600,000 cattle and 5 million sheep and goats were rustled during this period. The ongoing banditry has rendered about two-thirds of arable farmland inaccessible, severely impacting food security and causing significant economic and social disruption.

They have urged the government to take immediate action to curb the violence and restore stability. The group’s recommendations include increasing security checkpoints on key roads, providing humanitarian aid to affected communities, and completing critical infrastructure projects to revive the local economy. Additionally, they called for an investigation into the kidnapping and murder of the District Head and demanded the arrest of those responsible.

The group also appealed to the people of Sabon Birni to support efforts to address banditry and assist in identifying and removing criminal elements from their community.