Anxiety As Terror Kingpin Demands Gold Protection Levy from 4 Communities in Zamfara

• The growing insecurity in Zamfara state has taken a fresh dimension as a terror kingpin has reportedly made a crucial demand from residents in four communities
• The notorious bandit named Sani Black has reportedly demanded 150 kilogrammes of pure gold as a “protection levy” from the local communities
• Reports making the rounds on Saturday, August 2, revealed that the communities now face the daunting challenge of gathering the gold, valued at hundreds of thousands of naira

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

A terror kingpin in Zamfara state, identified as Sani Black, has reportedly demanded 150 kilogrammes of pure gold as a “protection levy” from four local communities.

As reported by Premium Times and a local news outlet, TheBeat, the notorious bandit targeted the Dada, Gidan Shaho, Marmaro, and Rimni communities in the Zurmi area of the state.

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Sani Black’s demand for the precious metal is a significant escalation from the usual requests for cash ransoms and livestock, highlighting the evolving methods used by terror groups to finance their operations.

The communities now face the daunting challenge of gathering the gold, valued at hundreds of thousands of naira.

As reported by TheBeat, local sources suggested that the demand is linked to the residents’ involvement in illegal gold mining.

Lamentations rise over the gathering of gold in communities

Speaking on the development, a youth leader, who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, said it was “possible (because) he (Sani Black) believes they have a lot of gold since several of them are into mining.”

Reactimg, another source said:

“The terrorists are aware that we don’t have money or animals to give them now, so they’re now asking for gold, which they know is easier to get.”

According to TheBeat, residents in the affected communities are currently discussing how to either collect the gold or negotiate with the terror kingpin to reduce the amount.

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Bandits kill 35 in Zamfara, northern senators fume

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was urged to address the growing insecurity in the northern region after bandits killed 35 kidnapped villagers in Zamfara state.

The Northern Senators Forum, led by Abdulaziz Yar’adua, made this demand while condemning what he described as heinous acts.

Speaking on behalf of Northern senators, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, called on Tinubu’s government for urgent action and stressed that more training of personnel is needed.

Kwara: Bandits kill 3, abduct 7 people in fresh attack

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Kemanji community in Kwara state experienced a fresh attack by bloodthirsty terrorists, leaving three dead and abducting seven others.

Auwal, a resident of the community, was among the victims of the attack, as friends recount details of the attack.

A source in the Kwara State Government revealed details of a joint operation launched by the state and neighbouring states to fish out culprits.

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Read more about bandits operation here:

Zamfara governor told to immediately resign

In a similar development, Legit.ng reported that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has been urged to immediately resign from office.

The Coalition for Good Governance and Accountability in the North-West (COGGAN) said Governor Lawal should resign over failure” to deliver on his campaign promises.

Source: Legit.ng