Residents of Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State have been thrown into panic after a letter, allegedly from suspected terrorists, demanded N100 million before the group would be allowed to enter the town to “preach.”
The letter, reportedly delivered to community leaders in the early hours of Thursday, warned that the threat should not be ignored.
“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 note stated.
The assailants also cited a previous attack on Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were reportedly killed after a similar warning was disregarded.
A source in the community, whonrequested anonymity due to security concerns, said the letter has heightened fear among residents.
“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.
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, on Thursday evening said that the state government has taken immediate steps to prevent any attack.
“I just spoke with the Director of Security; he confirmed the information and said security has been deployed to the area,” Idris said.
He added that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, is taking the threat seriously.
“Security personnel, including air surveillance teams, have been deployed.
“His Excellency has always prioritised the safety of residents, and this situation will be no different,” Idris said.