-
₦100m ultimatum: Bandits send threat letter to Utouno community in Ngaski LGA
-
Panic in Kebbi: Residents flee as government deploys security, air surveillance
-
Recent violence: Lakurawa-linked attacks killed dozens in Arewa LGA
Armed bandits have reportedly issued a ₦100 million ransom demand to residents of Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, threatening to launch an attack if the money is not paid.
The demand was conveyed in a letter addressed to community leaders, warning residents not to ignore the ultimatum.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
“This is not a joke. You must pay us ₦100 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 stated.
The group allegedly referenced a previous deadly attack on Woro community in Kaiama LGA of Kwara State, where several lives were lost after a similar warning was disregarded.
Residents confirmed receipt of the letter, saying the development has created widespread fear. Some families have reportedly fled to safer areas, while others remain, hoping for swift government intervention.
A resident, Abbas Alkali, said the matter has been reported to local authorities and that security agencies are taking steps to prevent an attack.
READ ALSO: Bandits Kill Over 30 in Fresh Zamfara Village Attack
Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, another resident, expressed concern over the timing of the threat during Ramadan, urging the government to strengthen security presence in the area.
Community leader Malam Ibrahim Bello said the residents are treating the warning seriously and have appealed for immediate deployment of soldiers to protect lives and property.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the government has reinforced security in the area.
According to him, personnel have been deployed, including air surveillance, to forestall any potential attack. He assured residents that the state government is not compromising on security.
Police Repel Lakurawa Attack
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command disclosed that operatives repelled an attempted attack along the Maje border road by suspected members of the Lakurawa criminal network.
Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said the attackers attempted to use a herd of cattle as cover during the night operation but were engaged by the Counter Terrorism Unit and forced to retreat. No casualties were recorded, though some temporary security structures were damaged.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, urged residents to avoid suspicious night cattle movements that could aid criminal activity.
Rising Attacks In Kebbi
The Lakurawa group has been linked to multiple coordinated assaults in Kebbi communities, particularly in Arewa LGA, where over 30 people were reportedly killed in recent raids across eight villages.
Governor Nasir Idris recently convened an emergency security meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi following the renewed violence.
Security experts believe the recent threats may be an attempt by the criminal group to demonstrate continued presence despite intensified joint security operations in the state.