Armed bandits operating in parts of Kano and Katsina States have reportedly formed a parallel system of governance within key forest reserves in the region.
This is even as they are demanding up to N50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before harvest.
Bakatsine, a conflict and crisis journalist who reports on insecurity in Nigeriaās northwest, disclosed this development, citing an investigative outlet MAāASUMAH.
According to reports on Friday, the armed groups have taken control of Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State and Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
It stated that the bandits now collect illegal farm taxes and issue threats against non-compliant farmers.
The report noted that farmers who refuse to pay the imposed levies face intimidation, destruction of their crops, and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands entirely.
Bakatsine explained that the forests sit at the heart of the KanoāKatsina food belt.
Sugarcane farmers are said to be the primary targets, though maize production has also been affected.
As of press time, no official response had been issued by any of the government authorities.
Bandits reportedly form parallel govt in Kano, Katsina forests, impose N50,000 levy on farmers
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