Embattled Niger communities allegedly negotiate with Boko Haram, N20m levy agreed

About 65 communities in Niger State have reportedly reached a peace deal with Boko Haram after their communities were invaded by the insurgents. 

Punch reported that the agreement was reached, few days after the terror group displaced more than 5,000 villagers from their homes in some local government areas in the state.

According to the publication, communities in Gurmana, Manta, Bassa and Kukoki distrists in the Shiroro area of the state negotiated with the terrorists for a peace deal after reaching an agreement to pay certain amount of money.

It was also learnt that they have purchased at least six motorcycles worth N500,000 for the terrorists.

Yusuf Sani, the co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youth said; 

“This is what most of the communities are resorting to. By my records now, communities that have signed the peace deal with the terrorists are more than 40.

“While some communities have already sealed up deals for ceasefire with the terrorists and are currently reaping the benefits, others are on the verge of finalising theirs.”

Sani also said the communities had paid “not less than N20 million to sign the peace deal with the terrorists.”