Terrorists operating in Zamfara State have invaded an open market in Talata Mafara Local Government Area and issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents to raise ₦50 million, 50 cattle and 50 sheep or face another attack.
SaharaReporters learnt exclusively that the terrorists recently stormed the community’s open market and warned residents that they must meet the demands within seven days or face an imminent attack.
Residents who spoke with SaharaReporters on Thursday said the latest threat was a consequence of what they described as the repeated failure of security agencies and the government to stop attacks in the community.
“This is happening because the government and security agencies have failed to stop these terrorists from attacking us. They have come here several times, and nothing has been done to prevent them from coming back,” one resident told SaharaReporters.
According to the residents, the terrorists have carried out several attacks in the area, seized farmlands and rustled cattle belonging to villagers, yet have faced little or no resistance from security forces.
“They have taken our farmlands and rustled our cattle, but we have not seen any serious response from the security agencies. Now they have become so bold that they can enter our market and give us a deadline to bring them money and animals,” another resident said.
The residents said the apparent lack of response had emboldened the terrorists to return openly to the community and issue demands to the same people they had previously attacked.
“They are now behaving as if they own this community. They attack us, take our farms and animals, and leave without being stopped. That is why they have the confidence to come back and tell us what we must pay,” the resident said.
One of the residents said the terrorists now appeared to believe they could dictate terms to the community because previous attacks had gone largely unchecked.
“They have become very boastful because every time they attack, there is no decisive response. They are now daring the people openly, and that is why this latest demand is frightening,” another resident said.
The latest threat comes after a deadly attack on communities under Sauna Ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area in July, when terrorists reportedly killed 22 farmers working on their farmlands.
The attackers, who reportedly moved in large numbers on motorcycles, crossed the Anka–Mayanchi highway and passed through several villages, including Ruwan Gora, Zauren Gora, Tulluwa, Unguwar Shanu, Tsangaya and Tundun Namali, before reaching Sauna.
The movement reportedly covered almost 50 kilometres, with the terrorists travelling through several communities before reaching their targets.
The attack took place in broad daylight, beginning at about 2 pm and lasting until around 5 pm, according to residents.
The terrorists also reportedly rustled an unspecified number of animals during the attack.
Residents said the July massacre was another indication that the terrorists had become increasingly confident about operating openly in the area.
One resident previously expressed frustration over the worsening insecurity, saying, “We shouldn’t continue like this”
The resident questioned why security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, had been unable to respond despite the attackers operating in broad daylight for several hours.
The latest demand for ₦50 million and livestock has now heightened fears among residents, who said they were already struggling with the consequences of repeated attacks, loss of farmland and livestock.
“They have been attacking us, taking our farms and cattle, and nobody has stopped them. Now they are coming back to demand ₦50 million, 50 cows and 50 sheep from the same people they have been terrorising,” a resident said.
According to the residents, the terrorists’ latest action goes beyond a conventional ransom demand, as the armed groups appear to be attempting to establish control over the community and its economic activities.
“They are no longer hiding. They are coming into the market openly and giving us orders. They know that nothing serious has happened to them after the previous attacks, and that is why they are becoming more daring,” another resident said.
The residents said the situation has also made farming increasingly difficult, as villagers are afraid to return to their farms or move their livestock through areas controlled by the terrorists.
They appealed to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene before the seven-day deadline expires.
“We are asking the government to act before it is too late. If nothing is done now, we are afraid that they will carry out another attack when the seven days are over,” a resident said.
The latest development comes amid continued attacks, kidnappings, killings, livestock rustling and restrictions on farming activities across parts of Zamfara State.
Residents said the failure to decisively respond to earlier attacks is encouraging the terrorists to become increasingly brazen.
SaharaReporters contacted the Zamfara State Police Command for comment on the reported ultimatum and threat of another attack.
The command’s spokesperson, Yezid Abubakar, had not responded to calls and text messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report.
