Community Under S!ege As Bandits Impose Curfew, ₦30million Levy On Residents

Community Under Siege As Bandits Impose Curfew, ₦30million Levy On Residents

Residents say that the lockdown has paralyzed normal life, disrupting trade, education, and daily activities.

Residents of Bilbis town in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State are reportedly living in fear after terrorists locally dubbed as bandits imposed a strict curfew and demanded a ₦30million levy from the community.

According to social media reports by Bakatsine (@DanKatsina50), the town—home to Senator Ikira Aliyu Bilbis, who represents Zamfara Central Senatorial District —has been effectively locked down as gunmen enforced the curfew and threatened residents with violence if the payment is not made.

Bandits

“People are terrified. Everyone has been ordered indoors, and no one can leave until the ransom is paid,” Bakatsine tweeted.

The bandits’ action highlights the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where communities have increasingly fallen victim to kidnappings, extortion, and violent attacks.

Residents say that the lockdown has paralyzed normal life, disrupting trade, education, and daily activities.

A local resident, who requested anonymity, said, “We are living in constant fear. Nobody knows when the bandits will strike next. The town feels like it’s under siege.”

Efforts by SaharaReporters to speak with the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as he could not be reached on telephone as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, this latest attack underscores the urgent need for coordinated military and police interventions to restore security and prevent further escalation of violence in the region.