Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are living in fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded ₦40 million from the community.
The gunmen allegedly threatened to kill residents and set the town ablaze if the money was not raised within a specified period.
Crisis Reporter Bakastine, in a post on his X handle, reported that the bandits passed the demand through a farmer, who delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo.
The suspects initially reportedly gave residents five days to raise the money. However, following appeals from members of the community, the deadline was extended to seven days.
The handset was later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area.
READ ALSO: Bandits Kill Eight Farmers, Injure Five In Sokoto Attack
The bandits allegedly instructed that the phone must remain charged and accessible at all times. They reportedly warned that the community would come under 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 reported threat and had commenced efforts to address the situation.
“We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.
He added that the bandits had reportedly given the community an ultimatum to raise the ₦40 million.
The reported levy demand has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly as the deadline draws closer and fears grow over the possibility of an attack should the community fail to meet the gunmen’s demand.