Terrorists send letter to Kebbi community, demand ₦100m ransom

Fresh anxiety has enveloped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after a letter allegedly sent by suspected terrorists surfaced, demanding a payment of ₦100 million as a condition to allow them access to the town to “preach.”

The development comes amid heightened security worries in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where armed groups have been linked to attacks, abductions, and extortion in rural areas.

According to reports, the letter was delivered to community leaders in the early hours of Thursday, with the authors cautioning residents against dismissing the threat.

“This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us ₦100 million,” the message reportedly stated.

The group also made reference to an earlier incident in Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were allegedly killed after a similar warning was ignored.

A resident, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the message has triggered panic within the community.

Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said the state government has taken swift action to avert any possible attack.

He disclosed that he had spoken with the Director of Security, who confirmed the threat and assured that security personnel had been deployed to the area.

Idris said the government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness, adding that security agencies, supported by aerial surveillance, had been mobilised to safeguard the community.

He stressed that the state government remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, noting that the governor has continued to prioritise security across the state.

Kebbi State, like several others in the North-West, has experienced sporadic attacks by armed groups in recent years, particularly in remote communities targeted for ransom and other criminal activities.

Security authorities say intensified operations are ongoing to prevent further incursions and reassure residents. As of the time of filing this report, security presence had reportedly been strengthened in Utono and surrounding communities, while residents remain on high alert.