Notorious armed bandit kingpin Mustapha Babaro has reportedly slammed a ₦50 million levy on Yargoje and neighbouring communities in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
According to residents, Babaro delivered the ultimatum on Sunday, warning that any village that fails to pay within the set timeframe would face harsh reprisals.
Security analyst Bakastine, who disclosed the development on his X handle, raised fresh alarms over the worsening security challenges in the region. He noted that despite recent peace engagements, bandits continue to tighten their grip on rural communities.
He wrote:
“If this can happen in an LGA that held two peace parleys with bandits in less than three months, what kind of truce are local authorities in Katsina State actually reaching, and how effective is it in protecting communities?”
The report has heightened concerns over the state’s fragile security situation and the growing influence of bandit networks in rural settlements.