Bandits terrorizing many parts of Zamfara State have placed N24 million levy on at least nine communities in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the State.
The assailants, who reportedly issued letters to community leaders in the affected areas, asked each community to pay from N500,000 to N5m or be faced with attack.
According to reports, the bandits threatened to kill all members of the nine communities if they failed to adhere to their instructions.
Residents of the communities told journalists yesterday that the communities have started mobilizing to pay the bandits as demanded.
It was gathered that the letters were delivered to community leaders through some kidnap victims who recently regained freedom.
The nine communities include, Yangalma, Tungar Gebe, Wawan Iccen Ibrahim, Wawan Iccen Salihu, Galle, Nannarki, Ruwan Kura, Gangara and Gaude.
Efforts to reach the State Police Command for a comment on the development proved abortive as of press time.