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A rural community in Sokoto State has been thrown into panic after armed bandits issued a N40 million ultimatum and threatened to attack and burn properties if the demand is not met.
The incident unfolded when a resident, Abara Jaji, was intercepted by the gunmen while gathering firewood in the bush, according to a Daily Trust report.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Jaji attempted to flee on his motorcycle after spotting the bandits but was pursued and caught.
The bandits asked Jaji where he was from.
“Jaji, who was reportedly trembling with fear, told them he was from Kebbe while pleading that he had no money,” the report reads.
“The bandits then gave him a Tecno phone, containing a SIM card, and instructed him to deliver it to the District Head of Kebbe or his representative. The phone reportedly came with the words, “Sha kidanka bakauye.”
“They reportedly demanded N40 million from the community, threatening to attack the town and burn properties if the money was not paid.”
The threat has caused widespread fear among residents, with many families reportedly fleeing the town.
A resident told Daily Trust that his mother and younger sister had already left over concerns that an attack could follow if the demand is not met.
“Just now, my mother and a younger sister who came home for a post-natal bath have left the town because of the fear that failure to fulfil the promise could become a problem. Some people are not sleeping in their houses now,” the resident said.
Another resident said the town’s market witnessed a sharp decline in patronage on Tuesday as people stayed indoors.
“We do not want them to be given the money because if they are paid, they will continue imposing such levies on us from time to time, just as they are doing to Gwandi village,” one resident said.
“If they are given the money, it will open the way for them to continue extorting us. We want more security personnel deployed so that even if they attack, they can be repelled.”
When contacted, Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson DSP Ahmad Rufai reportedly confirmed that the command was aware of the development and actively working on it.
“They’re fully aware, and they’re working on it,” Rufai said.
