Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Armed bandits have reportedly imposed a curfew and demanded a ₦30 million levy from residents of Bilbis town, Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State, leaving the community in a state of panic and forcing many residents to remain indoors under threat of violence.
Local sources said the gunmen stormed the town and issued directives ordering residents to stay inside their homes until the demanded payment is made. The attackers were said to have warned that anyone found outside after the curfew hours would be punished, creating widespread fear among villagers who depend on daily economic activities for survival.
The community is known as the hometown of Ikira Aliyu Bilbis, who represents the Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Residents said the bandit group specifically targeted the town with the financial demand, describing it as a forced levy imposed under threat of armed violence.
Witnesses reported that the gunmen instructed community members to prepare the ₦30 million payment as a condition for lifting the curfew restriction. Sources within the town said the attackers threatened further assaults if the demand was not met within the specified period, though exact deadlines were not clearly communicated.
Residents described the situation as extremely tense, noting that normal commercial activities have been suspended since the bandits issued their order. Markets within the town were reportedly closed, and movement between neighbourhoods has been restricted as families remain indoors to avoid confrontation with the armed group.
Local community leaders are said to be seeking assistance from security authorities to secure the release of the community from the imposed restriction and to pursue rescue or counter-operation measures. Some residents appealed for urgent deployment of military or police patrols, warning that prolonged enforcement of the bandits’ directive could worsen humanitarian conditions in the area.
Security analysts say the incident reflects a recurring pattern in parts of north-western Nigeria where armed criminal groups impose illegal taxes, known locally as “levies,” on rural communities under threat of kidnapping, destruction of property or violent attacks. Such extortion systems are often used by bandit networks to finance their operations while exerting control over vulnerable settlements.
Authorities in Zamfara State have not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported curfew and financial demand. However, security sources indicated that intelligence units are monitoring the situation and assessing possible operational responses to protect residents and dismantle the criminal presence around the community.
Stone Reporters note that rural settlements across parts of northern Nigeria continue to face serious security challenges associated with banditry, including forced taxation, kidnappings for ransom and violent raids. Experts argue that sustained intelligence-led operations combined with community security collaboration remain critical to restoring stability in affected regions.
The development has intensified anxiety among Bilbis residents, many of whom fear that failure to meet the bandits’ demand could trigger renewed attacks. Community elders have urged calm while calling on federal and state security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians living under the threat.
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