Bandits operating in Nigeria’s North Western region have imposed a N20 million levy on farmers in Gatakawa, a community in Katsina State. This development was disclosed by Bakatsine, a journalist covering insecurity in the region, in a recent post. According to Bakatsine, the bandits are demanding the levy from farmers as a condition to allow them to harvest their crops.

The imposition of the levy has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the alleged peace deal between the bandits and communities in the crisis-ridden region. Bakatsine noted that the deal has only brought deeper fear to farmers, who are now forced to sell their belongings or borrow money to pay the bandits before they can enter their farmlands. This extortion not only threatens the livelihoods of the farmers but also undermines food security and erodes public confidence in the authorities’ ability to protect rural communities.

The situation in Kankara Local Government Area, where Gatakawa is located, is particularly dire. Farmers in the area are struggling to access their farmlands due to the threat of banditry, and the imposition of the levy has added to their woes. The region has been plagued by insecurity, with bandits carrying out frequent attacks on communities and farmers.

The Nigerian government has been working to address the insecurity in the region, but the situation remains challenging. The imposition of the levy by the bandits is a clear indication that more needs to be done to protect rural communities and ensure that farmers can access their farmlands without fear of attack or extortion.

The impact of the insecurity on food security in the region cannot be overstated. With farmers unable to harvest their crops, the supply of food to markets is likely to be affected, leading to shortages and price increases. This, in turn, will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including the poor and marginalized.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that a more effective approach is needed to address the insecurity in the region. This will require a comprehensive strategy that involves not only the government but also local communities and other stakeholders. The international community also has a role to play in supporting efforts to address the root causes of the insecurity and promote sustainable development in the region.