Residents of Maburya community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State have reportedly paid bandits N2.6 million in an extortion levy after the armed men rejected an initial payment of N1 million.
The bandits allegedly collected the money on Friday but subsequently summoned residents and demanded additional payments, warning that nobody would be allowed to go to their farms until their demands were met.
The development was disclosed by Bakatsine, a conflict reporter covering North-West Nigeria, in a post on X on Saturday.
According to the reporter, the incident occurred despite an earlier peace agreement reportedly reached between the community and the bandits.
Bakatsine said residents continued to face intimidation and extortion from the armed group, which allegedly seized their motorcycles, mobile phones and money.
The latest development raises fresh concerns about the effectiveness of peace agreements between rural communities and armed groups in parts of Niger State, particularly as residents continue to face threats to their livelihoods and freedom of movement.
The reported farming restriction could further worsen the hardship facing residents, many of whom depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
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