Tension in Katsina as bandits demand N60m levy from Tashar Kaɗanya residents

Residents of Tashar Kaɗanya, a rural community in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, are gripped by fear after armed bandits issued a chilling demand: pay a ₦60 million levy or face violent consequences.

The threat, which came to light on Monday, was shared by security analyst @DanKatsina50 via his X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the post, the heavily armed group has warned of severe repercussions if the villagers fail to meet the demand.

According to him, the criminals gave the village a deadline to pay the hefty sum, sparking panic among locals. “Many have begun fleeing the area to escape a possible attack,” he wrote.

As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement concerning the situation.

This latest extortion attempt has heightened anxiety over the ongoing insecurity in Katsina State, where banditry, including kidnappings and extortion, continues to plague several communities despite government intervention.

Kankara, in particular, has remained a hotspot for such violent incidents, and this new demand threatens to deepen both the humanitarian and security crises in the region.