Attacks by terrorists on some communities in Sokoto and Zamfara states over the weekend left more than 40 people dead.
Of the number, 37 were killed in Raka, Raka Dutse, and Filin Gawa communities in Tangaza local government area of Sokoto State over their alleged refusal to pay the ‘levies’ imposed by the criminals.
According to the Sokoto State Police Command, 30 died in the attacks, adding that the criminals who stormed the villages aboard 20 motorcycles, also razed two vehicles and six huts, while one Bajaj motorcycle believed to belong to them was recovered at the scene.
The terrorists were said to have dispersed sympathisers who came to perform burial rites for the deceased.
Immediate past chairman of the area, Bashar Kalenjeni, said 18 people were killed at Raka, 17 at Filin Gawa, and two at Raka Dutse.
“We wanted to bury them in the night, but the bandits came back and dispersed us. As at this morning, the deceased are still there unburied,” Kalenjeni said.
According to him, the “offence” of the villagers was their refusal to pay levies imposed on their communities.
“The bandits imposed levies on their communities, which was meant to take charge with immediate effect, and also dictating to residents what to and not to do.