Farmers in Shanawa, Jangeru, and Galadi communities of Shinkafi Local Government Area, Zamfara State are lamenting after bandits allegedly demanded N20 million from them before they could access their farms this harvest season.

The demand, according to residents, has sparked outrage among farming communities across the state, who accused the armed gangs of turning agriculture into a “ransom business.”

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the bandits’ demands come every farming season.

“They ask for money before we can plant, and when it’s time to harvest, they demand another payment,” he said. “We can’t farm on our own land in peace again. We must pay the bandits before we can even touch our crops.”

According to him, the latest threat came with a chilling message from the bandits: “Bring N20 million or forget your farms.”

Another resident said those who attempt to enter their farms secretly, especially at night, are often abducted or killed.

According to information obtained by security analyst Bakastine, the affected communities have suffered several attacks in recent months, with bandits tightening control over farmlands.

“These attacks have become a form of economic warfare,” he said. “The bandits use fear and extortion to dominate rural communities.”

The residents are now appealing to the Zamfara State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene as attacks persist despite ongoing military operations in the area.

“We are tired of peace talks that change nothing,” another farmer lamented. “We just want to farm and live in peace again.”