By Deborah Nnamdi
Residents of Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State are gripped by fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded N100 million, threatening to attack the area if the money is not paid.
The demand was conveyed in a letter addressed to community leaders, warning residents not to ignore the ultimatum.
“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,” the letter reportedly read.
The threat comes amid rising security challenges in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where armed groups have carried out deadly raids, kidnappings, and extortion, particularly in rural communities.
In the letter, the bandits allegedly referenced a previous attack on the Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were reportedly killed after a similar warning was ignored.
Residents confirmed receipt of the letter, saying it has thrown the community into panic.
A resident, Abbas Alkali, said the development has heightened fear among locals.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the matter has been reported to the local government chairman, while the state government and security agencies are said to be taking steps 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,” Alkali added.
Another resident, Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, expressed concern that the threat came during the Ramadan period, describing the situation as deeply unsettling.
“The letter was addressed to community leaders. Unfortunately, people are 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,” he said.
Suleiman disclosed that the letter was received about seven days ago and that tension has since gripped the community, with many residents unable to sleep peacefully.
A community leader, Malam Ibrahim Bello, said the residents believe the threat should be taken seriously.
“They warned us to take their plan 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,” he said.
Another resident, who preferred anonymity, noted that the mention of the Woro attack in Kwara State has heightened fears among families, many of whom are now discussing safety plans.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government has taken steps to forestall any possible attack.
“I just spoke with the Director of Security. He confirmed the information and said security personnel have been deployed to the area,” he said.
Idris added that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, has reinforced security presence in and around the community, including air surveillance.
“The state government is not compromising on security. His Excellency has been proactive on security matters, and this situation will not be an exception,” he stated.
Sources indicated that security operatives have intensified patrols around Utouno and neighbouring settlements, while residents remain on high alert over fears of a possible attack.
