The Niger State Government in North Central Nigeria has confirmed that bandits are collecting taxes from communities in the state.
This further confirms the extent of security deterioration in the country, as reported by local sources. Bandits have similarly been taxing communities in Sokoto State.
Niger State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Internal Security, Emmanuel Umar, disclosed the situation to journalists in Minna, the state capital on Thursday.
He said, “Bandits are collecting taxes from farmers to allow them access to harvest their crops.”
He, however, said the government had ordered citizens not to comply, adding that adequate security measures had been taken to protect the farmers.
“Some assailants in Rumbun Giwa, in the Mashegu Local Government Area of the state wrote a letter, instructing farmers to pay certain levy before they can farm and harvest their farm produce.
“In view of this year’s expected bumper harvest, Niger State Government is determined to support the farmers.
“We’ll not allow these evil elements to rob farmers of their harvest; that’s why citizens on their part should avail security operatives of useful information.
“On our part, we are doing all we could to deny them operational space in our state,” he said.
