Fresh tension has gripped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after suspected terrorists allegedly sent a letter demanding N100 million from residents.
The letter, which was reportedly delivered to community leaders in the early hours of Thursday, warned that the armed group would storm the town under the guise of coming to “preach” if the money was not paid.
Residents said the message has created fear and uncertainty across the quiet farming community.
According to the letter, the group warned the people not to ignore the demand.
“This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us N100 million. 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,” the letter reportedly read.
The group also referred to a past attack on Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were said to have been killed after a similar warning was ignored.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said many residents are now living in fear.
“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 said.
According to residents, some families have started sending women and children to neighbouring towns for safety. Others are considering relocating completely if the situation does not improve.
Utono is a rural community where most people depend on farming and small-scale trading. In recent years, many such communities in the North-West have become targets of armed groups who demand ransom or attack villages.
Kebbi State, like other states in the North-West, has faced security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Armed groups often attack remote villages, kidnap residents, and demand large sums of money before releasing victims.
In neighbouring states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, and parts of Kaduna, similar threats and ransom demands have been reported in recent years. Some communities have been forced to pay money to avoid attacks, while others have suffered deadly raids after refusing to comply.
The mention of the Woru incident in Kwara State has added to the fear in Utono. Residents say the attackers’ reference to a previous killing shows they may be serious about carrying out their threat.
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said the state government has taken swift action to prevent any attack.
According to him, security agencies have been deployed to the area. He added that air surveillance has also been introduced to monitor movement around the community.
“The government, alongside security agencies, has deployed security to the area, including air surveillance,” he said.
“I am sure you know the state government is not playing with the security of the state. His Excellency has been up and doing on security matters, and this will not be an exception.”
Authorities say intensified security operations are ongoing to stop any planned incursion and reassure residents of their safety.
Security officials have urged residents not to panic but to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. They advised community members to report any suspicious movement or strange faces in the area.
Some local leaders have also called for calm, saying that the presence of security personnel should give residents confidence.
However, fear remains high as villagers wait to see whether the threat will be carried out or stopped by security forces.
The latest development highlights the ongoing security concerns in Nigeria’s rural communities. Over the past few years, attacks by armed groups have affected farming activities and forced many villagers to abandon their homes.
In many parts of the North-West, insecurity has disrupted agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood. Farmers are often afraid to go to their fields, leading to reduced food production and higher food prices.
Community leaders in Ngaski Local Government Area are now appealing for more permanent security presence to prevent future threats.
For now, residents of Utono remain on edge, hoping that the combined efforts of the state government and security agencies will prevent any attack.
