Kebbi farmers trapped as Bandits demand ₦40m access fee to farmlands

Residents of several farming communities in Bena District, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, are reportedly living in fear after armed groups allegedly imposed a ₦40 million levy on farmers before they can access their farmlands for this year’s cultivation season.

The situation was brought to public attention on Saturday by security analyst and conflict reporter Bakastine, who disclosed the development in a post shared on his X account.

According to reports from the affected communities, the demand has heightened anxiety among residents, with some families already fleeing their homes over fears of impending attacks. Others are said to be undecided about returning to their farms due to uncertainty surrounding their safety.

Community sources revealed that the latest threat has further worsened insecurity in an area that has repeatedly witnessed attacks and suffers from inadequate security coverage.

Observers noted that the incident reflects a growing trend across parts of the North-West, where armed groups allegedly extort farming communities through illegal levies before allowing agricultural activities to commence.

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Locals often describe the arrangement as a form of “tax” or temporary peace deal.

Findings indicate that such agreements rarely provide long-term security, as communities continue to face intimidation and repeated threats despite compliance.

Security experts have also warned that paying levies to criminal groups could strengthen their operations and increase their influence in rural settlements, with possible consequences for food production and regional stability.

Reacting to the development, Bakastine questioned the effectiveness of current security measures in the affected areas.

“If farmers are forced to pay bandits before working on their land, then who is actually in charge of these communities?” he asked.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, leaving residents uncertain about what steps may be taken to address the situation.