Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are living in fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded N40 million from the community and threatened to attack the town if the money was not paid.
The gunmen reportedly issued the demand through a farmer, who was said to have delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo, to enable the bandits communicate directly with the community.
According to information shared by conflict journalist Bakastine on X, the bandits initially gave residents five days to raise the N40 million.
The deadline was reportedly extended to seven days after residents appealed to the attackers for more time.
The telephone handset was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.
The suspected bandits reportedly warned that the phone must remain charged and accessible, threatening consequences if their calls were not answered.
They allegedly threatened to kill residents and burn down the town if the financial demand was not met within the stipulated period.
The reported development has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly as the new deadline approaches and fears grow over a possible attack.
Confirming that security authorities were aware of the threat, the Sokoto State Police Command said it had commenced efforts to respond to the situation.
Police spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai said the command was working with its Anti-Kidnapping Unit to assess the information and take appropriate action.
“We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.
He also confirmed that the bandits had reportedly given the community an ultimatum to raise N40 million.
The reported levy demand comes amid continued security challenges affecting communities across parts of Sokoto and other North-West states, where bandit groups have been accused of demanding money from residents, farmers and communities in exchange for allowing them to carry out their activities without attacks.
Security authorities have not indicated whether the community has agreed to pay the demanded amount or disclosed specific measures being taken to prevent an attack on Kebbe.
Residents are now awaiting further action from security agencies as authorities work to assess the threat and protect the community.
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