Residents of Bilbis village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State are reportedly living under siege after armed bandits imposed a forced lockdown on the community and demanded a N30 million levy.

The village, which is the hometown of the Senator representing Zamfara Central, Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, has been under what residents described as a “forced curfew” for more than 10 days.

A resident, Murtala Ahmed, said villagers have been compelled to remain indoors as anyone sighted outside is chased back into their homes by the bandits.

According to him, the attackers often take advantage of the situation to invade houses, looting cash and other valuables from residents.

The situation reportedly worsened shortly before the commencement of Ramadan when troops of the Nigerian Army carried out a raid on cattle belonging to the bandits near the village.

In retaliation, the gunmen allegedly slaughtered the wounded livestock and forced residents to buy portions of the meat for about N5,000 each.

Community members also disclosed that the bandits imposed a N30 million levy on the village. So far, residents said they have managed to raise and pay N15 million in a desperate effort to prevent further attacks and bloodshed.

The development has heightened concerns over the humanitarian situation in the area as residents continue to face threats, extortion, and restrictions on movement imposed by the armed groups.