Bandits Demand N40m Levy from Sokoto Community, Threaten Fresh Attack

Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are living in perpetual fear after suspected bandits reportedly demanded a N40 million levy from the community and threatened a fresh attack if the money is not paid.

The gunmen allegedly warned that they would kill residents and set the town ablaze should the community fail to meet their demand within the stipulated deadline.

The threat was reportedly communicated through a farmer, who was said to have delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo.

According to information shared by Crisis Reporter Bakastine on his X handle, the bandits initially gave residents five days to raise the N40 million.

However, following appeals from community members, the deadline was reportedly extended to seven days.

The telephone handset was later handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in the area for further action.

The bandits also allegedly instructed that the phone must remain charged and accessible at all times, warning that failure to answer their calls could trigger an attack on the community.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, said the command was aware of the reported threat and had begun taking steps to prevent any attack.

“We are aware of the information and we, together with our Anti-Kidnapping Unit, AKU, are already working on the information,” Rufai said.