Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are reportedly facing a fresh security threat after suspected bandits demanded ₦40 million from the community and threatened to attack the town if the money is not paid.
Local sources revealed that the criminals had initially issued a five-day ultimatum to the residents to raise the money, before extending the deadline following appeals from the community.
The Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was aware of the reported threat.
“The command is aware of the information and that the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) is already working on the information”, he said.
He, however, added that the suspected bandits had reportedly handed the villagers an ultimatum extending to Sunday to raise the demanded money.
The development has sparked concerns among residents, who are now faced with the threat of possible attack should the demand not be met.
Also speaking, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Dan’iya, described the situation as “grave” and called on the Sokoto State and Federal governments to take urgent steps to protect the community.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Dan’iya said the reported demand represented an alarming level of criminal control over the lives and economic activities of residents.
He called on Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional security personnel, intelligence resources and operational support to Kebbe and other vulnerable communities before the reported deadline.
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