LG Chair Alleges Zamfara Community Paid Over N2.9bn Ransom To Bandits

The chairman of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State Abubakar Umar Faru, has claimed that residents of the LGA has paid over 2.9 billion as ransom and illegal levies to armed bandits from 2015 to date

Faru said the payments were made across the 17 districts of the local government, which have come under sustained attacks by bandits, resulting in mass killings, abductions and economic devastation.

Speaking with DCL Hausa, the chairman revealed that over 1,060 people have been killed in the area within the last decade, while farming activities were completely grounded in 2025 due to insecurity.

“From the records compiled from all the 17 districts, 1,065 residents were killed, over 2.9 billion was paid as ransom and forced levies, while armed bandits rustled thousands of livestock,” he said.

According to him, bandits rustled 84,928 cows, 52,423 goats and 187 camels, leaving many households without means of livelihood.

Faru identified Gando Forest as a major hideout for bandits, calling on the Federal Government to launch decisive military operations to dismantle criminal camps operating in the area.

He further disclosed that over 200 persons, including women and children, have been abducted from Bukkuyum communities and remain in captivity.

The council chairman appealed to the Federal Government to intensify security efforts, noting that while the Zamfara State Government and local authorities were doing their best, they lacked direct control over federal security agencies.

He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, expressing optimism that the appointment would help strengthen the fight against banditry in Zamfara State.

LG Chair Alleges Zamfara Community Paid Over N2.9bn Ransom To Bandits is first published on The Whistler Newspaper