Bandits Demand ₦20 Million ‘Access Fee’ from Zamfara Farmers Before Harvest
Story: written by Okafor Joseph October 13,2025
Farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, are in distress after armed bandits reportedly demanded a ₦20 million payment before they can access their farmlands for harvest this season.
Residents described the demand as another wave of “agricultural extortion,” accusing the armed groups of turning farming into a ransom-based enterprise.
One resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, revealed that the bandits’ demands have become a recurring nightmare for local farmers.
“They collect money before we plant, and again before we harvest,” he said. “Now they’ve sent word that we must bring ₦20 million or forget about our farms entirely. We no longer have freedom to work on our own land.”
Another villager confirmed that those who defy the bandits’ orders risk abduction or death.
“Some people tried to sneak into their farms at night to harvest, but they never came back,” he said grimly.
According to security analyst Bakastine, the bandits have tightened their grip on farmlands across Shinkafi, effectively crippling the local economy.
“These attacks have evolved into a form of economic warfare,” Bakastine noted. “The gunmen use fear and extortion to control entire communities and their sources of livelihood.”
Residents say despite repeated military operations in the region, the situation has not improved. Many accuse the government of neglecting rural farmers who are now paying criminals to survive.
“We’re tired of endless peace talks that change nothing,” one farmer lamented. “All we want is to farm and live in peace again.”
The affected communities have appealed to the Zamfara State Government and federal security agencies to intervene urgently before the harvest season is completely lost.
