Tragedy looms in Kebbe town in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a ₦40million extortion demand issued by bandits who have threatened to kill residents and burn the community to ashes if the sum is not paid within seven days.
The terror group communicated the demand on Tuesday afternoon, sending a mobile phone through a local farmer directly to the District Head of Kebbe.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X handle, @DanKatsina50.
According to him, the bandits which initially gave residents five days to raise the money, later extended it to seven days, ending next Tuesday, following pleas from the community.
“Yesterday afternoon, bandits demanded a N40million levy from residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe LGA, Sokoto State, threatening to kill residents and burn the town if the money is not paid,” Bakatsine wrote.
“Local sources said the bandits sent a phone through a farmer to the District Head of Kebbe and initially gave the community five days to meet the demand. After pleas, they reportedly extended the deadline to seven days (next Tuesday).”
The telephone allegedly used by the bandits was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.
The armed group reportedly warned the police officer that the phone must remain charged and reachable, threatening to attack the town if their calls were not answered.
“The bandits allegedly warned the DPO that it must remain charged and reachable, saying they would attack the town if their calls were not answered,” the reporter said.
The latest threat has reportedly heightened anxiety among residents, who are now faced with the difficult prospect of raising the huge sum or risking an attack on the community.
“What happens if the deadline passes without an agreement?” Bakatsine asked.
The latest development comes barely weeks after Kebbe town came under attack by suspected bandits, with reports that the assailants moved into the community in large numbers, looted shops and attacked security installations.
SaharaReporters had previously reported that on August 15, suspected bandits stormed Kebbe town around 10am on motorcycles and engaged security personnel in a gun battle.
Residents said the attackers, numbering in the hundreds, moved freely around the town and looted shops, carting away mobile phones, food items and petrol.
A resident also reported that the attackers invaded the Divisional Police Headquarters and later entered the General Hospital, where they vandalised the vehicle belonging to the DPO.
Earlier in August, troops of the Nigerian Army were also reported to have foiled an attack by bandits attempting to raid Asarara community in Kebbe LGA.
The troops reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat towards the Gwangi riverside area.
The security situation subsequently worsened in parts of Kebbe LGA, with reports on August 17 that suspected bandits attacked Ungushi community, killing at least 32 residents, according to local accounts.
The latest ₦40 million demand therefore comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks and increasing pressure on communities in the local government area.
SaharaReporters’ efforts to speak with the Sokoto State Police Command Spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i on the latest development and efforts to secure and protect the local residents were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls.
He is yet to respond to a text message seeking his reaction as at the time of filing this report.
