Residents of Maburya community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly been forced to pay armed bandits ₦2.6 million after the gunmen rejected an initial payment of ₦1 million, in another incident highlighting the continued intimidation and extortion of rural communities in the state.
ChroniclesReporters gathered that the bandits had demanded money from residents of the community, compelling them to raise ₦2.6 million after the armed group rejected the initial ₦1 million offered to them.
However, the payment has reportedly failed to end the intimidation, as the bandits allegedly assembled members of the community after collecting the money and demanded additional payments.
The armed men were also said to have warned residents that nobody would be allowed to access their farms until their demands were fully met, effectively threatening the community’s farming activities and livelihoods.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in rural parts of Niger State, particularly the continued activities of armed groups who reportedly impose financial demands on residents and restrict their freedom of movement despite efforts by communities to negotiate peace.
A security alert issued by Bakatsine on Saturday confirmed the reported incident, describing the situation as particularly disturbing because Maburya was among the communities that had reportedly entered into a peace agreement with the bandits in an attempt to end attacks and restore normalcy.
According to the security alert, residents have continued to face intimidation and extortion despite the reported peace arrangement, raising questions about the effectiveness of such agreements in protecting communities from further attacks and financial exploitation.
Beyond the latest ₦2.6 million demand, the bandits have allegedly continued seizing residents’ motorcycles, mobile phones and cash, further worsening the hardship faced by members of the community.
The reported restriction on access to farms is particularly concerning for residents who depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods, as prolonged exclusion from their farmlands could threaten food production, household income and economic survival.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities in Niger State, where residents reportedly continue to face threats, financial demands, property seizures and restrictions imposed by armed groups.
Despite the reported peace agreement involving Maburya and the bandits, the latest development suggests that residents are still struggling to secure their freedom, protect their property and return to normal farming activities.