By Sandra Kenneth
Fear and tension have gripped the residents of Kebbe town in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a ₦40 million extortion demand by suspected bandits who have threatened to launch an attack on the community if the funds are not paid.
Local sources indicate that the armed group initially gave the community a five-day deadline to assemble the cash. However, following pleas from community leaders, the criminals extended the ultimatum to Sunday.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, stated that law enforcement agencies are actively addressing the threat.
“The command is aware of the information and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) is already working on it,” Rufai said, noting the extended deadline given to the villagers.
The growing threat of violence has drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Hon. Manir Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, described the situation as “grave” and warned that such demands highlight an alarming degree of criminal leverage over local communities.
In a statement released through his media aide, Dan’iya urged Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the Federal Government to swiftly deploy additional security forces, intelligence units, and tactical support to Kebbe and surrounding areas before the deadline elapses.
