Terrorists Issue Chilling N100 Million Ransom Demand to Kebbi Community
Fear and tension have escalated dramatically in Utono community, located within Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, following the delivery of a menacing letter from suspected terrorists. The letter, which arrived in the early hours of Thursday, February 19, 2026, demands a staggering sum of N100 million from residents before the group will be permitted to enter the town under the guise of "preaching."
Direct Threats and References to Past Violence
The communication, reportedly handed to community leaders, contains explicit warnings that residents should not treat the message lightly. It states, "This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us N100 million." The terrorists further intimidate by adding, "If you refuse, you will face the consequences and have no one to blame but yourselves. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us."
In a particularly alarming move, the group referenced a previous attack on Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. In that incident, several individuals were reportedly killed after a similar warning was ignored, heightening the perceived credibility and severity of the current threat.
Community Panic and Government Response
A source from the community, who spoke anonymously due to acute security concerns, revealed that the letter has thrown residents into a state of panic. "People are scared. The mention of what happened in Woru has made the threat more frightening. Many families are already discussing safety plans in case anything happens," the source disclosed.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, confirmed the authenticity of the letter to journalists on Thursday evening. He assured that the state government has immediately swung into action to forestall any potential attack. "I just spoke with the Director of Security; he confirmed the information and said security has been deployed to the area," Idris stated.
He elaborated on the measures taken, noting, "The government, alongside security agencies, has deployed security to the area, including air surveillance. I am sure you know the state government is not playing with the security of the state. His Excellency (the state governor) has been up and doing on security matters, and this will not be an exception."
The situation remains volatile as security forces intensify their presence in Utono, while residents anxiously await further developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this terrifying extortion attempt.
