Residents of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are living in fear as the deadline for a ₦30 million levy imposed by the notorious bandit leader Bello Turji approaches today.
In a viral video, Turji demanded the ₦30 million from the community following the military’s destruction of over 100 of his cattle several weeks ago.
Originally, Turji had sought ₦50 million but later reduced the amount to ₦30 million.
Abdullahi Moriki, a local resident, informed Channels Television that the community has been scrambling to raise the required funds.
Read Also: BREAKING: CDS Gives Update On Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Bello Turji
According to him, each household is required to contribute ₦10,000, while unmarried individuals must pay ₦2,000 each.
“The situation is really worrisome, the bandits kingpin initially demanded for N50m but after several pleas he cut it to ₦30m. Right now, each house owner in Moriki are asked to pay ₦10,000.”
“I have house in Moriki, they have asked me to pay the ₦10,000.” The source added.
When asked if security agencies are aware of the levy and the associated threats of violence, Abdullahi Moriki confirmed that they are indeed informed of the situation.
Read Also: NiMet Releases Forecast On States To Experience Thunderstorms, Rains From Wednesday To Friday
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, also confirmed this development.
He stated that the security agencies are fully aware of the situation and have responded by deploying additional troops from both the Nigerian Police and the Army to ensure adequate security in the area.
“We are aware that they (bandits) have imposed levy on them, we have made adequate joint deployment by the police and the military to the whole environment, and we are in touch with the people of Moriki.”
“We have adopted a the necessary measures for us to protect the people of Moriki.”
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
