Farming communities in Zamfara State are distressed as terror groups operating in about five local government areas are allegedly demanding for a levy before they are allowed to access their farms in preparation for the farming season.
It was gathered that the terrorists are asking the communities in Anka, Birnin-Magaji, Bakura and Zurmi local government areas, including Dansadau, in Maru to oblige with the demands to pay the levy and have a hitch-free farming season in their respective farmlands, or face attack.
It was also learnt that residents of Rumu, Doka, Tangaran, Jarkuka and Tungar-Nabarau villages of Wuya ward, in Anka local government area of the State have vacated their respective communities after what they described as unbearable levies by the terrorists.
Findings revealed that in Zurmi local government area, the farmers from Nasarawa Mailayi, Kiyawa, Gusami-Gari, and Gusami-Hayi are currently being denied access to their farms in the outskirts of their villages.
In Dansadau district, of Maru Emirate, farmers told newsmen that they have continued to receive threats from different terror groups demanding to make similar concessional payments to access their farming without hindrance.
However, some villagers said they have resolved not to yield to the demands of the terrorists. One of them noted that despite the threats by the terror groups, they resolved and vowed not to pay any penny to them for seasonal farming exercises to hold.
