Bandits demand N40m levy from Sokoto residents, threaten fresh attack

Residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State are facing heightened security concerns following a reported demand by suspected bandits for a N40 million levy.

The gunmen allegedly threatened to kill residents and burn down the town if the money was not paid within a stipulated deadline.

According to information shared by Crisis Reporter Bakastine via his X handle, the bandits conveyed the demand through a farmer, who delivered a telephone handset to the District Head of Kebbe, Mallam Lawal Labbo.

The bandits reportedly initially gave the community five days to raise the money but later extended the deadline to seven days following appeals from residents.

The telephone was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area.

The gunmen allegedly warned that the phone must remain charged and reachable, threatening to attack the town if their calls were not answered.

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 commenced efforts to address the situation.

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

He added that the bandits had reportedly given the community an ultimatum to raise the N40 million.

The development has heightened fears among residents as the reported deadline approaches, amid concerns over a possible attack if the demand is not met.