Armed groups have reportedly imposed a ₦5 million levy on several rural communities in Katsina State, heightening tension in parts of Dan-Musa and Matazu Local Government Areas.
The demand is said to target residents of Mara Dangeza, Unguwar Tofa, and Gidan Goge, with sources indicating that the assailants issued a deadline for payment and threatened attacks if their demands are not met.
A North-West–focused security analyst, Bakatsine, disclosed the development via the social media platform X, noting that it comes months after a peace arrangement was reportedly reached between community representatives and the armed groups in November last year.
Despite the earlier agreement, residents say the latest demand has reignited fear across the affected communities, with some families already fleeing their homes amid concerns over potential reprisals.
Calls for urgent intervention have intensified, as community members appeal to authorities to address what they describe as a growing pattern of extortion targeting vulnerable rural settlements.
