Residents of Moriki, a town in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, are engulfed in fear following the expiration of the deadline to pay a ₦30 million levy imposed by notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji. The levy, designed as “protection money” to shield the community from attacks, was due on Monday, but the residents have struggled to meet the demand.
Turji, a prominent figure in Zamfara’s ongoing insurgency, accused the Moriki residents of conspiring with security forces in the area, resulting in the killing of cows belonging to his group of bandits. This accusation prompted his imposition of the multi-million-naira levy.
Isyaku Moriki, a resident of the town, revealed that despite their efforts, the community had not been able to raise the required sum as of Monday morning. Turji had initially demanded ₦50 million but, after negotiations, agreed to lower the figure to ₦30 million. The payment, however, still remains out of reach for the community.
According to human rights lawyer Bulama Bukarti, who posted about the situation on his verified X account, the levy is meant as compensation for the cows allegedly killed by the commander of the local army base stationed in Moriki.
Bukarti added that Turji’s demands require each family head to contribute ₦10,000, while unmarried adults must pay ₦2,000. Despite reassurances from the military commandant that no further harm would come to Turji’s animals and urging residents not to pay, fear of potential retaliation looms large.
“The community is uncertain and afraid that failure to meet Turji’s extortionate demand will result in brutal violence, with no one to defend them from his wrath,” Bukarti wrote. He also noted that the terrorist leader currently holds around 15 local politicians and social activists captive, all abducted from Moriki despite the town being home to a military base.
Attempts to reach the police spokesperson in Zamfara, Yazeed Abubakar, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable by Monday afternoon.
The incident underscores the growing insecurity in Zamfara State and highlights the terrifying reality many communities face as they navigate life under the threat of violent bandits.
