Fear and tension have gripped Maradun town in Zamfara State following a chilling threat from a notorious bandit leader known as Jummo. The criminal leader is demanding ₦20 million from residents, warning that failure to pay will lead to a violent attack on the community.
Maradun is the hometown of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Despite the high-profile link, the community is under serious pressure after receiving an audio threat from the bandit leader.
In the audio message, Jummo ordered residents to allow his men access to local markets and free movement of their cattle across the area. He warned that unless his conditions are met and the ₦20 million “protection fee” is paid, farmers would no longer be allowed to access their lands.
“There is nothing stopping us from attacking Maradun,” Jummo said. “I can call on over 100 other bandit leaders and we can take over the town anytime.”
He added that his boys would patrol the area and stop anyone from farming if the payment was not made.
But despite the fear, many residents of Maradun are standing firm and have refused to bow to the demand.
“We will not raise money for criminals,” one resident said. “Enough is enough.”
The situation has sparked anger and concern across Zamfara, a state already dealing with years of deadly bandit attacks. Many are calling on the government to act fast and protect the people of Maradun before things get out of control.
