Date: March 7, 2026 l Reporter: Mensah
Residents of Bilbis town in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State are reportedly living in fear after armed bandits imposed a strict curfew and demanded a ₦30 million levy from the community.
According to reports, the gunmen ordered residents to remain indoors and restricted movement throughout the community, effectively placing the town under siege until the demanded money is paid. The development has created panic among villagers who say their daily activities have been severely disrupted.
Bilbis town is also notable as the hometown of Senator Ikira Aliyu Bilbis, who represents Zamfara Central Senatorial District in Nigeria’s National Assembly. Residents say the armed group has taken control of movement in the area, enforcing the curfew while pressuring the community to meet the large financial demand.
Local sources revealed that the curfew has reportedly lasted more than ten days, leaving residents trapped in their homes while the bandits patrol the area. Some villagers say anyone seen outside risks being threatened or attacked by the armed group.
The situation has also created a humanitarian crisis, with many residents unable to access food supplies or travel to safer towns. Community members have appealed to government authorities and security agencies for urgent intervention to end the siege.
Bandit groups operating in northwestern Nigeria have increasingly adopted tactics such as imposing levies, kidnappings, and forced taxes on communities, turning many villages into zones of extortion and violence.
Security analysts warn that the latest development highlights the persistent insecurity affecting Zamfara and other states in Nigeria’s northwest, where armed groups continue to exploit rural communities despite ongoing military operations.
As of the time of this report, there has been no immediate official response from security agencies regarding the reported siege in Bilbis town, while residents remain under pressure to meet the bandits’ financial demand.