…Negotiate With Bandits For Ceasefire
Following the incessant attack on communities ravaged by bandits in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the communities have negotiated with terrorists for a ceasefire
The agreement entered into by the the communities was to pay taxes and vats to the terrorists who have been attacking their villages.
Meanwhile, our correspondent has not been able to verify the information making rounds about payment of tax and VAT to terrorists in the affected communities.
However, a sources from the local government hinted that , the people started the negotiation with the terrorists, who have been attacking them, so as to have peace in the area.
A police source, who does not want his name on print said they got information that the terrorists asked villagers to pay tax to them.
Co-convener, Concerned Shiroro Youths, Sani Abubakar Yusuf Kokki, said all communities and villages in Gurmana and Manta districts of Shiroro local government have negotiated with the bandits.
“Virtually all communities and villages in Gurmana and Manta districts of Shiroro local government, Niger State have negotiated with terrorists for a ceasefire after reaching an agreement to certain amount of money among other conditions including purchasing of Honda Motorcycles for them.
“Also, some communities and villages in Bassa/Kukoki Ward have followed suit by agreeing to pay certain amount of money among others while the terrorists suspend their nefarious activities,” he said.
Newsfocusng learnt that some villages pay as much as N2million in addition to other demands of the group.
Some residents of the area, who lamented their plight in the hands of the terrorists, said they prefer paying their revenue to them if they would let them have peace rather than pay to a government that does not care about their security and welfare.
Niger State police command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached for confirmation as of the time of filing this report and his mobile telephone was switched off.
