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By: (I.T) Ileruwa Roseline
Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are living in fear after suspected bandits demanded N40 million from the community and threatened to attack and burn properties if the money is not paid.
According to reports, the demand was delivered on Tuesday through a resident, Abara Jaji, who was intercepted by the bandits while on his way to fetch firewood. Jaji was reportedly pursued on motorcycles, caught, and handed a Tecno phone with a SIM card with instructions to deliver it to the District Head of Kebbe or his representative.
A witness said Jaji arrived at the residence of the District Head, Sarkin Kabin Kebbe, Alhaji Muhammad Labbo Margai, at about 9:30am and handed the phone to his representative, Murtala Muhammad. The bandits later called the phone and repeated their demand for N40 million, threatening to kill residents and set the town ablaze if the levy was not paid.
The gunmen initially gave the community five days to raise the money but later extended the deadline to seven days following appeals from residents. They also warned that the phone must remain charged and reachable, threatening to attack if their calls were not answered.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was aware of the threat and had commenced efforts to address the situation with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. “We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.
The development has heightened anxiety in Kebbe as the deadline approaches, with residents fearing a possible attack if the demand is not met.
ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, described the situation as “grave” and urged the state and Federal Governments to take immediate action to protect the community.
Kebbe LGA has witnessed several security incidents in recent weeks, including an August 15 attack where suspected bandits reportedly stormed the town, engaged security personnel, and looted shops.
