Fear has enveloped Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State after suspected terrorists allegedly issued a N100 million demand, threatening violence if their ultimatum is ignored.
The threat was contained in a letter reportedly delivered to community leaders in the early hours of Thursday, February 19, 2026. In the message, the group claimed it intended to enter the town to “preach” but insisted that residents must first pay the hefty sum.
“This is not a joke. We are coming to preach. You must pay us N100 million,” the letter read.
The group warned that failure to comply would attract dire consequences, adding that even the presence of security forces would not deter them.
“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 stated.
The suspects also cited a previous attack on Woru community in Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several persons were reportedly killed after a similar warning was allegedly disregarded. The reference has heightened anxiety among residents.
A source within the community, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, said the development has sparked widespread 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.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, confirmed the authenticity of the letter in a statement to Punch on Thursday evening.
He said the state government had immediately mobilised security operatives to prevent any attack on the community.
“I just spoke with the Director of Security; he confirmed the information and said security has been deployed to the area,” Idris said.
According to him, the deployment includes intensified security presence and aerial surveillance operations.
“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 has been up and doing on security matters, and this will not be an exception,” he added.
Residents remain on edge as security agencies intensify efforts to forestall any potential attack.
