Nigeria, Jan. 10 -- Armed groups operating in parts of Kano and Katsina states are allegedly extorting farmers, demanding up to N50,000 per acre from sugarcane growers before harvest, as they enforce a parallel system of governance within key forest reserves in the region. Reports on Friday said the groups have entrenched themselves in Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, where they reportedly collect illegal farm levies and issue threats against non-compliant farmers. Farmers who refuse to pay are said to face intimidation, destruction of crops, and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their farmlands. Sugarcane growers are reported...