Armed bandits operating in parts of Kebbi South have issued a chilling demand for N100 million from residents of Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area, threatening to launch a deadly attack if the ransom is not paid.
The extortion demand was delivered through a handwritten letter addressed to community leaders, according to residents who spoke to newsmen.
In the letter, the bandits warned: “This is not a joke. You must pay us N100 million. If you refuse, you will face the consequences and have no one to blame but yourselves. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us.”
They referenced a previous attack on the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were reportedly killed after ignoring a similar warning.
The letter, received about seven days ago, has plunged the community into fear and apprehension, especially during the ongoing Ramadan period.
Resident Abbas Alkali said: “Yes, they wrote to us demanding N100 million from our community. Everyone is now living in fear because of the threat to attack us if we fail to meet their demand.
The matter has been reported to the local government chairman, and I learnt that the state government and security agencies are taking measures to address the threat.
We are not leaving anything to chance. We know they may come as they promised. Some people have already left for safer communities out of fear, but those of us who have nowhere to go will remain and continue to pray to Allah for our safety.”
Another resident, Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, a tailor, expressed deep concern: “The letter was not addressed to any cleric; it was addressed to the community leaders. It is unfortunate that people are becoming apprehensive because of this threat, especially during this period of Ramadan.
The government should provide the necessary security for us because they may attack at any time.”
Community leader Malam Ibrahim Bello added: “They warned us to take their plan to attack our community seriously. We believe they may come as they said, but we have nowhere else to go. We appeal to the government to deploy soldiers to protect us.
We were told the government is taking action, but we want them to come quickly because the attackers may strike at any time.
People are scared. The mention of what happened in Woro in Kwara State has made the threat even more frightening. Many families are already discussing safety plans in case anything happens.”
Confirming receipt of the threat letter, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government has responded swiftly.
“I just spoke with the Director of Security. He confirmed the information and said security personnel have been deployed to the area,” he stated.
He added: “The government, in collaboration with security agencies, has deployed personnel to the area, including air surveillance.
I am sure you are aware that the state government is not compromising on the security of the state. His Excellency has been proactive on security matters, and this situation will not be an exception.”
Residents say security presence has since been reinforced around Utouno and neighbouring settlements, but tension remains high as villagers stay on high alert, fearing an imminent attack.
