Residents of Utouno in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State are living in fear after armed bandits demanded N100 million from the community, threatening to unleash violence if their ultimatum is ignored.
The demand was conveyed in a letter reportedly addressed to community leaders, warning that failure to comply would attract severe consequences. The message, according to locals, has triggered panic, with some families already relocating to safer areas.
“This is not a joke. 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 letter reportedly stated.
The gunmen allegedly referenced a previous attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several residents were killed after a similar threat was dismissed. That reference, villagers say, has heightened fears that the attackers may follow through.
Abbas Alkali, a resident of Utouno, confirmed the development to Daily Trust Newspaper, saying the entire community is on edge.
“Yes, they wrote to us demanding N100 million. Everyone is afraid because they threatened to attack if we don’t comply,” he said. “We have reported the matter to the local government authorities, and we understand the state government and security agencies are taking steps.”
Despite assurances, anxiety persists. Alkali noted that while some residents have fled, others remain behind because they have nowhere else to go.
“We know they may come as they promised. Those of us who cannot leave are praying for protection,” he added.
Another resident, Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, described the situation as deeply unsettling, particularly given the period of heightened religious devotion.
“People are worried. The letter was sent about seven days ago, and since then, tension has not eased. Many of us cannot sleep peacefully,” he said. “The government must provide adequate security because an attack can happen at any time.”
Community leader Malam Ibrahim Bello said the threat is being taken seriously.
“They warned us clearly. We believe they are capable of carrying out the attack. We appeal to the authorities to deploy more security personnel immediately,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the state government has responded swiftly.
“I spoke with the Director of Security, and he confirmed that security personnel have been deployed to the area,” he said, adding that air surveillance and other reinforcements have been activated to prevent any assault.
The threat against Utouno comes against the backdrop of persistent attacks linked to the Lakurawa criminal network, which has been blamed for deadly raids across parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states.
Recently, over 30 people were reportedly killed in coordinated attacks on eight communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi. The affected villages included Masama, Mamunu, Kamzo, Awashaka, Tungar Bature, Dan Mai Rago, Tungar Tsoho and Gorin Dena. Residents who attempted to resist the invasion were overwhelmed.
On Sunday, the Kebbi State Police Command also reported repelling an attempted attack along the Maje border road. Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said suspected Lakurawa fighters tried to conceal their movement by driving cattle at night. Officers of the Counter Terrorism Unit engaged them in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat. No casualties were recorded, though some temporary security structures were damaged.
The Lakurawa group has long been accused of staging raids from forest hideouts, rustling livestock and imposing illegal levies on rural communities. Last year, joint security operations reportedly neutralised dozens of its fighters and over 80 bandits attempting to infiltrate the state from neighbouring areas.
Security analyst Usman Aliyu suggested the recent threats may be an effort by the group to reassert its presence.
“The government has been proactive, and security forces have dealt significant blows to them,” he said. “This latest action appears aimed at showing they are still active.”
Leave a Reply