Bandits Demand N40m From Sokoto Community, Threaten Residents With Attack

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded N40 million from the community and threatened to attack if the money was not paid.

The gunmen allegedly issued a deadline for the payment and warned that residents could be killed and the town set ablaze if their demand was not met.

According to information shared on X by Crisis Reporter Bakastine, the bandits communicated their demand through a farmer who delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo.

The attackers reportedly initially gave the community five days to raise the money. The deadline was later extended to seven days after residents appealed to them.

The telephone handset was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in the area for security authorities to monitor the situation.

The bandits also allegedly instructed that the telephone should remain charged and accessible. They reportedly threatened to attack the community if their calls were not answered.

The development was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, who said the police had received information about the threat and had begun taking steps to address it.

“We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.

The police spokesperson further confirmed that the suspected bandits had given the community an ultimatum to raise N40 million.

The reported deadline has heightened anxiety among residents, with fears of a possible attack if the demand is not fulfilled.

Security authorities are expected to intensify efforts to prevent any attack on the community and protect residents from the threat.