Terrorists operating in Zamfara State have reportedly invaded an open market in Talata Mafara Local Government Area and issued residents a seven-day ultimatum to raise ₦50 million, 50 cattle and 50 sheep or face another attack.
According to residents, the terrorists recently stormed the market and warned the community to meet their demands within seven days.
The development has heightened fears among residents, who said the area has suffered repeated attacks, killings, livestock rustling and the seizure of farmlands.
A resident blamed the latest threat on what he described as the failure of security agencies and the government to prevent repeated attacks on the community.
The resident said the terrorists had previously invaded the area, taken over farmlands and rustled livestock belonging to villagers without facing what residents considered an adequate security response.
Another resident said the attackers had become increasingly emboldened because previous attacks had not been met with a decisive response from security forces.
The latest threat comes weeks after terrorists reportedly killed 22 farmers in communities under Sauna Ward in Talata Mafara Local Government Area in July.
According to residents, the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, crossing the Anka–Mayanchi highway and passing through several communities before reaching Sauna.
The attackers reportedly travelled nearly 50 kilometres through villages including Ruwan Gora, Zauren Gora, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya and Tundun Namali before reaching their target.
Residents said the July attack occurred in broad daylight, beginning around 2pm and lasting until about 5pm. The terrorists also reportedly rustled an unspecified number of animals during the incident.
Residents expressed concern that the latest ultimatum could lead to another attack if the government and security agencies fail to intervene before the seven-day deadline expires.
They appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to take urgent action to protect the community and prevent further attacks.
The reported demand has also raised concerns about the growing influence of armed groups over farming, livestock and economic activities in parts of Zamfara State.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report. The command’s spokesperson, Yezid Abubakar, reportedly did not respond to calls and text messages seeking clarification on the alleged ultimatum.
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