Sokoto: Bandits Demand ₦40m From Kebbe Community

Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are reportedly facing heightened insecurity after suspected bandits allegedly demanded ₦40 million from the community and threatened to attack if the money is not paid.

Local sources said the suspected criminals initially gave residents five days to raise the money but later extended the deadline following appeals from members of the community.

The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that it is aware of the reported threat.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) had already begun working on the information.

“The command is aware of the information and that the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) is already working on the information”, he said.

Rufai added that the suspected bandits had reportedly given the villagers until Sunday to meet their financial demand.

The reported ultimatum has heightened anxiety in Kebbe, with residents concerned that failure to meet the demand could trigger an attack on the community.

The development has also drawn concern from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Dan’iya, who described the situation as “grave” and called for immediate government intervention.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Dan’iya said the reported ₦40 million demand reflected an alarming level of criminal control over the lives and economic activities of residents.

He urged Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities.

According to him, additional security personnel, intelligence resources and operational support should be deployed before the reported Sunday deadline in order to protect residents and prevent a possible attack.