Armed bandits have demanded N100 million from Utouno community in Kebbi State’s Ngaski LGA, threatening a violent attack if not paid.
The demand, which was communicated in a letter addressed to community leaders, heightening tension in the area amid rising insecurity across Kebbi.
In the letter, the criminal elements warned residents not to disregard the threat, insisting that security forces would be unable to stop them.
The rogues reportedly cited a previous attack on Woro community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, where lives were lost after a similar threat was disregarded.
Abbas Alkali, a member of the community, said the development has left many anxious, with some families already relocating to safer areas.
He added that the matter has been reported to authorities and that the state government is said to be taking action.
Another resident, Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, described the situation as distressing, especially during the Ramadan period, and urged the government to strengthen security presence to avert a possible attack.
Community leader Malam Ibrahim Bello said the threat is being taken seriously, noting that residents have appealed for urgent deployment of soldiers to protect lives and property.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed that the government has responded by deploying security personnel to the area, including air surveillance, to prevent any attack.
He stressed that the administration remains proactive on security matters.
