Fear has gripped several communities in Bena District of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, following reports that armed bandits have imposed a N40 million levy on farmers seeking access to their farmlands ahead of the 2026 planting season.
The development was brought to public attention on Saturday by security analyst and conflict reporter Bakastine, who disclosed the situation in a post on his X account, expressing concern over the worsening security challenges facing rural residents in the area.
According to sources within the affected communities, the demand has heightened anxiety among residents, with some families reportedly fleeing their homes to avoid potential attacks, while many others remain undecided about returning to their farms.
Locals said the latest threat has further deepened tension in communities already battling persistent insecurity and what they describe as inadequate security coverage.
Observers noted that the incident reflects a growing trend across parts of Nigeria’s North-West, where armed groups allegedly compel farming communities to pay levies before carrying out agricultural activities. Such arrangements, often referred to locally as “taxes” or “peace deals,” have become increasingly common in areas plagued by banditry.
Findings indicate that these payments have done little to provide lasting security, with many communities continuing to face intimidation and repeated threats despite complying with the demands.
Security experts have warned that yielding to such demands could strengthen the influence of criminal groups, undermine government authority in rural areas and pose further risks to food production and food security.
Reacting to the development, Bakastine questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures, arguing that the situation raises serious concerns about who truly exercises control in the affected communities.
He remarked that if farmers are required to pay armed groups before cultivating their land, it calls into question the level of authority being exercised by the state in those areas.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued any official statement regarding the alleged levy, leaving residents uncertain about the next steps and the fate of the upcoming farming season.
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