Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into fear and uncertainty after suspected bandits reportedly demanded a N40 million levy from the community and threatened a violent attack if the money is not paid.
The demand, according to residents, was delivered through a local man, Abara Jaji, who was allegedly intercepted by armed bandits while on his way to fetch firewood in a nearby bush.
Sources familiar with the incident said Jaji was travelling along a route believed to be frequently used by the criminals when he suddenly encountered them. In an attempt to escape, he reportedly abandoned his motorcycle and fled on foot.
However, the bandits were said to have chased him on motorcycles, eventually catching up with him and surrounding him.
According to residents, the attackers questioned Jaji about his identity and place of residence. Frightened and pleading for mercy, he reportedly informed them that he was from Kebbe town and had no money on him.
The bandits allegedly handed him a Tecno mobile phone fitted with a SIM card and instructed him to deliver it to the District Head of Kebbe or his representative. They reportedly accompanied the directive with the Hausa phrase, “Sha kidanka bakauye.”
Residents said the criminals used the phone to communicate their demand, insisting that the community must pay N40 million or face devastating consequences, including attacks on the town and destruction of property.
A witness who spoke on condition of anonymity said Jaji arrived at the residence of the District Head, Sarkin Kabin Kebbe, Alhaji Muhammad Labbo Margai, around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and met his representative, Murtala Muhammad.
The witness said Jaji narrated his ordeal and handed over the phone, explaining that it had been sent by the bandits.
Shortly afterward, the attackers reportedly called the phone and repeated their demand for N40 million.
According to the source, Murtala informed the callers that such a decision could not be taken by him alone because it concerned the entire community.
He subsequently escorted Jaji to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), where other security officials were said to be present.
“While they were briefing the security officials, the bandits called again. The phone was placed on loudspeaker, and everyone present heard the demand and the threats being made,” the witness said.
Another source, however, claimed that discussions were ongoing regarding the demand, adding that some community members had been informed that efforts were being made to raise the money, with payment allegedly expected on Sunday.
The development has heightened tension across the community, forcing some residents to flee their homes over fears of an imminent attack.
One resident said his mother and younger sister had already left the town because of growing anxiety among residents.
“People are scared. Some families have already moved out, while others are no longer sleeping in their homes because they fear what could happen if the bandits carry out their threat,” he said.
Residents also expressed concern that no significant reinforcement of security personnel had been noticed in the area despite the threat.
Many of them strongly opposed any attempt to pay the money, arguing that doing so would encourage the bandits to continue imposing levies on communities.
“We do not want them to be paid because once they succeed, they will keep demanding money from us again and again, just as they have allegedly done in other places,” a resident said.
“What we need is more security personnel. If they attack, the security forces should be able to repel them.”
Another resident who witnessed Jaji's visit to the palace confirmed that the bandits threatened to storm the town and kill residents if their demand was not met.
He said the attackers initially wanted the payment made immediately on Tuesday, but community leaders requested more time to consult with residents before taking a decision.
The threat has also affected economic activities in Kebbe town, with residents reporting poor turnout at the local market and widespread panic among traders and shoppers.
Many women and children were said to have left the community, while others remained indoors out of fear.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that security authorities were aware of the situation.
“They’re fully aware and they’re working on it,” he said.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Kebbe Local Government Area, Musa Garba Kuci, and the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Government, Abubakar Bawa, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to them were not answered.
The latest threat comes amid a surge in deadly attacks that have rocked Kebbe Local Government Area in recent weeks.
On August 3, ASP Bala Wakili was killed during a gun battle with bandits in Zugu village. During the attack, two patrol vehicles belonging to the police and the Sokoto Community Guard Corps were reportedly set ablaze.
Less than two weeks later, on August 14, four soldiers lost their lives when bandits attacked Kebbe town.
On the same day, no fewer than 34 residents were reportedly killed in a separate assault on Ungushi village in the local government area.
Following the deadly attacks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division reportedly deployed additional troops and military equipment to strengthen security operations in the area.
Despite the intervention, residents say fear continues to grip the community as they await further action from security authorities to prevent another tragedy.
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