Terrorists demand N100m from Kebbi Community or face ‘deadly’ attack

An unknown group suspected to be terrorists are demanding N100 million from the Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The threat comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where armed groups have carried out deadly raids, kidnappings, and extortion in rural communities.

In a letter reportedly delivered to community leaders, the group warned residents not to treat the message lightly.

“This is not a joke,” the letter read. “We are coming to preach. 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 group also referenced a previous attack on the Woru community in the Kaima Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were reportedly killed after a similar warning was ignored.

Our correspondent could not independently confirm the said letter, but a community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the letter has thrown residents into panic.

Read also: 33 dead in militants, civilian confrontation in Kebbi community 

“People are scared. The mention of what happened in Woro has made the threat more frightening. Many families are already discussing safety plans in case anything happens,” the source said.

Confirming the authenticity of the letter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said the state government has swung into action to forestall any attack.

“I just spoke with the Director of Security; he confirmed the information and said security has been deployed to the area,” he stated.

He added that the government is not taking the threat lightly. “The government, alongside security agencies, has deployed security to the area, including air surveillance.

“I am sure you know the state government is not playing with the security of the state. His Excellency has been up and doing on security matters, and this will not be an exception,” he said.

A security source said as at the time of filing this report, security presence has reportedly been reinforced around Utono and neighbouring settlements, while residents remain on high alert.