Suspected Bandits Demand ₦40m Levy From Sokoto Community, Threaten Attack
Suspected bandits have reportedly demanded a ₦40 million levy from residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, threatening to kill residents and burn the community if the money is not paid within seven days.
The demand was reportedly communicated on Tuesday through a mobile phone delivered by a local farmer to the District Head of Kebbe. According to local sources cited by conflict reporter Bakatsine, the bandits initially gave residents five days to raise the money but extended the deadline to seven days following appeals from the community.
The telephone allegedly used to communicate with the armed group was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Kebbe. The bandits reportedly instructed that the phone remain charged and reachable, warning that failure to answer their calls could trigger an attack.
The Sokoto State Police Command is reportedly aware of the threat. Police spokesman DSP Ahmed Rufai said the command, together with its Anti-Kidnapping Unit, had begun working on the information.
The reported ultimatum has heightened fears among residents, particularly amid a recent deterioration in security across parts of Kebbe. On August 15, suspected bandits reportedly entered Kebbe town in large numbers, engaging security personnel and looting shops. Local reports also said the attackers entered the Divisional Police Headquarters and vandalised property at the General Hospital.
The latest demand illustrates how armed groups in parts of north-western Nigeria are increasingly using threats, extortion and forced payments to exert control over vulnerable communities. Such levies can place additional pressure on farmers, traders and other residents already affected by insecurity and disrupted economic activity.
With the reported deadline approaching, attention is now focused on the response of security agencies and whether authorities can prevent the threatened attack and protect residents without allowing criminal groups to dictate terms to the community.
