Fresh Terrorist Threats and N20 Million Levy Demand Spark Panic in Kwara Communities
Residents of Lalagi village in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state have been plunged into a state of intense fear and anxiety following a chilling demand from suspected terrorists. The armed group has issued a stark ultimatum to the community, demanding the payment of a N20 million levy while simultaneously threatening to launch a violent attack if the substantial sum is not delivered promptly.
Farmers Intercepted and Forced to Convey Terrorist Demands
The terrifying threat was communicated to the village through a particularly distressing method. According to multiple residents who spoke about the incident, armed men intercepted local farmers while they were working on their farmlands. These farmers were then ordered to relay the demand directly to the village leadership, creating a direct channel of intimidation from the terrorists to the community's decision-makers.
One resident, Uthman Alhassan, confirmed the development, explaining that the terrorists warned of dire consequences should the community fail to comply with their financial demands. Another source revealed that the attackers specifically referenced a previous violent incident, warning that Lalagi should "arrange the sum of N20 million or should be expecting another gruesome invasion like what happened in Woro community last week."
Security Agencies Issue Separate Warning for Another Community
Meanwhile, security agencies have raised alarms about similar threats targeting another community within Kwara state. A security memo dated February 5, 2026, from the Department of State Services (DSS) addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State Command highlighted a possible attack on Gbabe community in the Gwanara District of Baruten Local Government Area.
The DSS report stated clearly: "Report indicates possible threat of attack by armed group, on Gbabe Community, Gwanara District, Baruten Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State." The security agency further noted that this threat "stemmed from the buildup of armed men suspected to be Mamuda element around Kiyoru Settlement, even as the villagers has expressed hostility display of the elements."
Highlighting the broader security risks in the region, the DSS emphasized: "In view of the antecedents of armed groups around Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), there is need to emplace necessary security measures, to forestall any untoward development."
Recent Deadly Attack Compounds Community Fears
The current threats come against a backdrop of recent violence that has already traumatized the region. Just days before these latest demands emerged, a tragic attack occurred in Gidan Sani village, located near the Kwara State Permanent NYSC Camp under the Tsaragi Emirate. Community sources confirmed that armed terrorists invaded the village on February 9, 2026, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her two children, all members of the same family.
The husband and father, Alhaji Abdullahi, a local farmer, was seriously injured during the assault and remains hospitalized in Tsaragi town. This devastating incident occurred barely three days after Vice President Kashim Shettima's visit to the area, raising serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kwara North.
Growing Anxiety and Calls for Security Intervention
As these threats loom over multiple communities, residents report growing anxiety and fear about their safety. Many express concern about a potential repeat of the deadly attacks that have recently plagued neighboring areas of Kwara North. The combination of direct financial demands, explicit threats of violence, and recent actual attacks has created a climate of profound insecurity throughout the region.
Local residents are now anxiously awaiting decisive intervention from security agencies to prevent another round of deadly violence. The situation highlights the ongoing security challenges facing rural communities in Kwara state and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable populations from terrorist activities and extortion demands.
