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By Goli Innocent
Fresh tension has gripped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after suspected terrorists allegedly issued a letter demanding ₦100 million before entering the town to “preach.”
The threat comes amid rising insecurity across parts of the North-West, where armed groups have carried out raids, kidnappings and extortion. In the letter reportedly delivered to community leaders early Thursday, the assailants warned residents not to dismiss the message.
“This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us ₦100 million. If you refuse, you will face the consequences and have no one to blame but yourselves. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us,” the letter read.
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The group also referenced a previous attack on Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were reportedly killed after a similar warning was ignored. The mention of that incident has reportedly heightened fear among residents.
A community source, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, said panic has spread across Utono. “People are scared. The mention of what happened in Woru has made the threat more frightening. Many families are already discussing safety plans in case anything happens,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said the state government has deployed security personnel to forestall any attack. “Security has been deployed to the area, including air surveillance. The government is not taking the threat lightly,” he said.
Authorities say intensified operations are ongoing to prevent further incursions, as residents remain on high alert. Kebbi, like several states in the region, has faced intermittent attacks by armed groups targeting remote communities for ransom and other criminal activities.
