Terrorists have allegedly taken over several communities in Niger State, establishing toll gates and exacting levies on farmers and residents alike.
The affected areas were: Dogon-Dawa, Kurege, Kangarewa, Mangoro, and others, where the bandits are reported to be governing the territories as suited them.
At the time of making this report, the terrorists have enforced restrictions on the free movement of goods and people, forcing them to pay levies before they exit the area.
Eyewitnesses have reported that on last Sunday, residents were mandated to pay a tax of 3.5 million before vehicles conveying their belongings were permitted to exit the area.
Farmers were not spared from the attack, demanding levies on crops and mandating them to pay before being permitted to harvest their produce.
The situation has heightened to the extent that even Internally Displaced Persons –IDPs, looking to leave the area were required to pay particular levies before their departure, according to the witnesses.
A local source had also revealed that the bandits have formed their own territory, operating without any fear.
Vehicles exiting the area are allegedly charged between N200,000 to N300,000, with situations where a combination of three vehicles is forced to pay N1 million before being allowed to leave.
The spokesperson for the Niger State Police, Wasiu Abiodun, upon being contacted for a statement on the issue had made assurances that an investigation would be conducted, and further information would be provided.
