Armed bandits have threatened to attack Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State unless residents pay a N100 million levy, heightening fears in the area.
The demand was reportedly delivered in a letter addressed to community leaders in Utouno, located in Kebbi South. In the message, the attackers warned that failure to comply would attract serious consequences, claiming that even security forces would be unable to stop them.
The threat comes amid persistent insecurity across parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where rural communities have faced raids, kidnappings and extortion.
Residents said the letter, received about a week ago, has thrown the community into panic. Abbas Alkali, a local resident, confirmed the development, saying many families are living in fear while some have fled to safer areas.
He added that the matter has been reported to local authorities and that the state government and security agencies are said to be taking steps to prevent any attack.
Another resident, Malam Sa’ad Suleiman, described the situation as worrisome, especially as it coincides with the Ramadan period. He urged the government to strengthen security presence in the area, noting that tension has remained high since the threat was issued.
Community leader Malam Ibrahim Bello said the residents are not dismissing the warning, citing previous incidents in neighbouring communities where similar threats were followed by deadly attacks. He appealed for urgent deployment of security personnel, stressing that villagers have limited options for relocation.
Responding to the development, Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, confirmed that the government has reinforced security in the area. According to him, personnel have been deployed, including air surveillance, to forestall any possible attack. He assured residents that the state is treating the threat with seriousness.
Security sources also confirmed increased patrols around Utouno and nearby settlements, as residents remain on high alert.
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Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Police Command said its operatives recently repelled an attempted attack along the Maje border road by suspected members of the Lakurawa criminal network. Police spokesperson Bashir Usman said the attackers allegedly used a herd of cattle to mask their movement at night but were forced to retreat after an exchange with the Police Counter Terrorism Unit. No casualties were recorded, though some temporary security structures were damaged.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Mohammed Hadeija, urged herders and livestock owners to avoid night cattle movement that could be exploited by criminal elements, warning that unlawful activities linked to night grazing would attract firm action.
In recent weeks, communities in Arewa Local Government Area have suffered coordinated attacks blamed on Lakurawa militants, with dozens reportedly killed and others abducted. The group has been accused of staging raids from forest hideouts, rustling livestock and imposing illegal levies on residents.
Security analysts say the renewed violence may be an attempt by the armed group to reassert its presence amid intensified security operations in parts of the state.
Governor Nasir Idris recently convened an emergency security meeting in Birnin Kebbi following the latest wave of attacks, as authorities continue efforts to curb the violence and reassure affected communities.
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