Dan’Iya Demands Action as Bandits Threaten Kebbe Over ₦40m Levy

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, has called on the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to urgently act over an alleged threat by bandits to attack Kebbe town unless residents pay a ₦40 million levy.

Dan’Iya, in a statement issued by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, described the reported threat as a disturbing indication of the worsening security situation in the state.

According to the statement, the bandits allegedly communicated the demand through a local farmer to the District Head of Kebbe, threatening to kill residents and burn the community if the money was not paid within seven days. The deadline was reportedly extended after appeals from residents, while the telephone allegedly used by the criminals was handed over to the police.

Dan’Iya questioned what the APC-led Sokoto State Government has done to address the persistent security challenges despite assurances made ahead of the 2023 elections.

“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.

The ADC candidate said insecurity was affecting agriculture, businesses, education and rural livelihoods across the state, forcing many residents to live in fear.

He urged Governor Ahmad Aliyu and the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional security personnel, intelligence resources and operational support to Kebbe and other vulnerable communities.

Dan’Iya also called on security agencies to work closely with traditional rulers and residents to prevent the threatened attack, warning that the reported threat should not be taken lightly.

“Sokoto is under siege and the people cannot afford another tragedy. Government must stop treating insecurity as a political talking point and start treating it as the emergency it is,” he said.

He commended security personnel and community leaders working to protect residents and called for a coordinated strategy to dismantle the networks behind banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Dan’Iya further urged the people of Sokoto to assess the APC administration’s security record ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that citizens have the right to demand accountability over promises made to them.