Bandits Demand N40m From Kebbe Residents, Threaten Fresh Attack
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Fear has gripped Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State after suspected bandits reportedly demanded N40 million from residents and threatened to attack the community if the money was not paid.
The demand was conveyed through a resident, Abara Jaji, who was intercepted by the armed men while on his way to fetch firewood.
Sources said Jaji was travelling along a route allegedly frequented by the bandits when he sighted them and abandoned his motorcycle before fleeing.
The attackers reportedly pursued him on motorcycles, eventually caught up with him and asked where he was from.
After identifying himself as a resident of Kebbe and pleading that he had no money, the bandits allegedly handed him a Tecno mobile phone with a SIM card and instructed him to deliver it to the District Head of Kebbe or his representative.
The phone reportedly contained the message, “Sha kidanka bakauye.”
The bandits allegedly used the phone to demand N40 million from the community, threatening to invade Kebbe, kill residents and destroy properties if their demand was not met.
Jaji reportedly arrived at the residence of the District Head, Sarkin Kabin Kebbe, Alhaji Muhammad Labbo Margai, at about 9:30 am on Tuesday and handed the phone to his representative, Murtala Muhammad.
According to a witness, the bandits later called the phone and reiterated their demand.
Murtala reportedly told the callers that the issue affected the entire community and that he could not make a decision without consulting others.
He subsequently took Jaji to the Divisional Police Officer, where other security officials were briefed about the development.
The witness said the bandits called again while the matter was being discussed with the security personnel, with the conversation placed on speaker.
Another source claimed that efforts were underway to raise the demanded money, with payment allegedly expected on Sunday.
The threat has reportedly heightened tension in the town, forcing some residents to relocate temporarily.
A resident said some members of his family had already left Kebbe because of fears that the bandits could carry out their threat.
He also alleged that some residents had stopped sleeping in their homes.
The resident opposed any payment to the bandits, warning that complying with the demand could encourage further extortion.
He instead called for the deployment of more security personnel to Kebbe to deter any attack and protect residents.
Another resident who was present when Jaji delivered the message confirmed the development, saying the bandits threatened to enter the town and kill residents if their demand was rejected.
He said the attackers initially gave the community a shorter deadline but that the representative of the Sarkin Kabin Kebbe appealed for more time to enable the community to deliberate on the demand.
The development has reportedly affected commercial activities, with the Kebbe market recording low patronage as residents, particularly women, fled the town.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the situation.
“They’re fully aware and they’re working on it” he said.
Attempts to obtain comments from the Kebbe Local Government Chairman, Hon. Musa Garba Kuci, and the Sokoto State Government spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, were unsuccessful.
The latest threat comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks in Kebbe LGA.
On August 3, ASP Bala Wakili was reportedly killed during a gun battle with suspected bandits at Zugu village, while patrol vehicles belonging to the police and Sokoto Community Guard Corps were also burnt.
On August 14, four soldiers were reportedly killed when bandits attacked Kebbe town. The same period also witnessed a deadly attack on Ungushi village, where dozens of residents were reported killed.
Following the attacks, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, deployed additional troops and weapons to the area.
