News
Bandits Impose ₦100m Levy On Zamfara Communities
By Ibrahim Lawal
Notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gide has demanded over ₦100 million in levies from 23 communities in the Tsafe West under the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Information gathered THE GLEAMER have it that the affected communities were instructed to pay specific amounts, with the highest levies imposed on Kunchin-Kalgo (N20 million), Sungawa (N15 million), and Rakyabu (N15 million).
Other communities affected include Kwaren Mai-Saje (N10 million), Magazawa (N10 million), Gijin-Zama (N8.5 million), Giwa (N7 million), Kauyen Magaji (N7 million), and Barebari (N6 million).
Additional villages targeted by the bandits include Unguwar Rogo (N5 million), Machiya (N5 million), Katuga (N5 million), Magazu (N5 million), Tsageru (N5 million), Gidan-Anne (N7 million), Unguwar Dan Halima (N5 million), Kauyen-Kane (N5 million), Kurar-Mota (N6 million), Kibari (N3 million), Sabon-Garin Bakin Gulbi (N2.5 million), Karda (N5 million), Dakolo (N5 million), and Yalwa (N2.7 million).
The levy imposed by the wanted terrorist leader has created tension in the region as residents scramble to meet the demands amid fears of violent reprisals.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dalijan, in a telephone conversation with Channels Television, confirmed the development but assured that the situation is under control.
He stated that security agencies have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent any attacks and maintain order.
“It is true, bandit kingpin Dogo Gide imposed levies on some communities, but we have deployed our men to those areas, nobody will threaten them, security agencies are in those communities.”
CP Dalijan added that no village or community has been deserted
“No community has been deserted, and nobody has fled their homes due to the threats,” Dalijan said, emphasizing the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents in the region.
The imposition of levies by bandits has become a recurring strategy to extort rural communities in Zamfara, which has been plagued by insecurity.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
