Residents of Kebbi, a town in the Kebbi Local Government Area of Sokoto State, are grappling with severe security threats as suspected bandits have demanded a N40 million levy. The armed group has warned that failure to meet this demand by a specified deadline will result in violent reprisals, including the potential burning of the town.

The alarming demand was reportedly communicated through a local farmer who was given a mobile phone to deliver to the District Head of Kebbi, Mallam Lawal Labbo. Initially, the bandits set a five-day deadline for the community to raise the funds, but they later extended this period following pleas from the residents. The gunmen have insisted that the phone must remain charged and accessible, threatening that any failure to respond to their calls could lead to an attack on the community.

The Sokoto State Police Command has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. DSP Ahmed Rufai, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed that they are aware of the threat and have initiated measures to address it. He noted that the bandits have now given the community until Sunday to gather the demanded amount.

This situation has escalated fears among the residents, who are anxious about the potential consequences of not complying with the bandits' demands. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has described the circumstances as “grave.” He called on both state and federal authorities to take immediate action to safeguard the community.

In a statement released by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya criticized the current government for failing to protect residents from banditry. He questioned the effectiveness of the promises made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto to combat the rising tide of criminality. “What has happened to those promises? What has the APC Government in Sokoto done differently to stop bandits from dictating terms to our communities?” he asked.

Dan’iya emphasized that the threat posed by the bandits should serve as a wake-up call for the government, urging that communities should not be left to negotiate their safety with criminals. He called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel and resources to Kebbi and other vulnerable areas.

Furthermore, he urged security agencies to enhance their collaboration with traditional leaders and local communities to prevent any potential attacks. The ADC candidate also reminded residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces during this precarious time.

Efforts to reach the District Head of Kebbi for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered. This development comes at a time when insecurity continues to plague various parts of Sokoto State, with numerous communities facing attacks, abductions, and other forms of violence linked to banditry.