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Bandits Demand ₦20 Million From Zamfara Farmers to Access Their Farmland
GUSAU, Nigeria — Farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State, say they are living in fear after armed bandits allegedly demanded ₦20 million from them before they can enter their farmlands this harvest season.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Residents told reporters that the demand came after weeks of threats and attacks that forced many farmers to abandon their crops. The communities said the bandits warned that anyone who attempts to harvest without paying the money would be attacked.
According to one farmer, who gave his name as Musa, the gunmen sent the message through local mediators.
“They told us that unless we pay ₦20 million, no one should go to the farms,” Musa said. “We have already lost so much this year because of insecurity. Now, they want to take away the little we have left.”
The affected villages, located near the Shinkafi-Moriki axis, have been targets of repeated bandit attacks in recent years. Many residents have either relocated or reduced farming activities due to fear of being kidnapped.
Local leaders said the situation threatens food security in the area, as thousands of hectares of crops are now at risk of being wasted.
A community elder, Malam Usman, said the farmers have been appealing to security agencies and the Zamfara State Government for help.
“We are calling on the government to come to our aid,” he said. “The bandits are still in the forests, and they control the farmlands. Without help, we cannot harvest anything this year.”
Zamfara State, one of Nigeria’s major farming regions, has faced severe insecurity caused by armed groups who attack villages, kidnap residents, and demand ransom. Many of these groups operate from forest areas across the state, making farming increasingly dangerous.
Security sources confirmed that the military and police have recently increased patrols in the region, but farmers say the presence has not stopped the threats.
A senior security officer in Shinkafi, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak, said efforts are ongoing to protect rural communities.
“We are aware of the threats, and security forces are working to ensure people can safely return to their farms,” the officer said. “Operations are being carried out in the surrounding forests.”
The Zamfara State Government has not issued an official statement on the alleged ₦20 million demand. However, government officials have repeatedly called on residents to report extortion and security threats to local authorities.
Experts warn that continued attacks on farmers could worsen food shortages and drive up prices across the country.
An agricultural economist, Dr. Ibrahim Bello, said insecurity in farming areas is one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s food production.
“When farmers cannot access their land, it affects national output,” Bello said. “This is why government intervention is crucial to protect rural communities.”
Farmers in the affected communities said they are now waiting for help before returning to the fields. Many have already started moving their families to nearby towns for safety.
“We are afraid to go back,” said Musa. “If the government doesn’t help, we may lose everything this season.”
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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