Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Tension is mounting in Utouno community in Ngaski Local Government Area after armed bandits reportedly issued a ₦100 million ultimatum, threatening to attack the settlement if the demand is not met.
Residents of the agrarian community in southern Kebbi State said the threat was communicated through intermediaries believed to have links with the armed group operating in forested areas surrounding the local government. Community leaders confirmed that the demand has heightened anxiety among villagers, many of whom depend on subsistence farming and small-scale trading for survival.
According to local sources, the ultimatum was delivered in recent days, with the attackers warning of imminent violence should the ransom not be paid. The threat has prompted emergency meetings among traditional leaders and youth representatives, who are now appealing to security agencies for urgent intervention.
Ngaski LGA shares boundaries with other areas in the North West that have experienced persistent banditry, including kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and violent raids on rural settlements. Security analysts note that criminal groups in the region frequently impose levies on vulnerable communities, exploiting limited security presence and difficult terrain to sustain their operations.
Residents say Utouno has not previously faced a demand of this magnitude. Some community members have reportedly begun relocating family members to neighboring towns as a precautionary measure, while others remain, uncertain whether the threat will materialize.
Local authorities have not publicly confirmed details of the ransom demand, but security personnel are understood to be monitoring the situation. In recent months, joint operations involving the military, police, and other security agencies have targeted suspected bandit hideouts in parts of Kebbi and neighboring states. Despite these efforts, sporadic threats and attacks continue to be reported.
Community representatives stress that paying such a sum would be impossible for residents already facing economic hardship. They warn that even if raised, compliance could embolden further extortion attempts. Civil society observers echo this concern, arguing that ransom payments have historically encouraged repeat targeting of affected communities.
Kebbi State has experienced fluctuating levels of insecurity over the past three years, with some improvement reported following intensified security operations. However, border communities and remote villages remain exposed, particularly where access roads and communication infrastructure are limited.
Security experts emphasize that early intelligence gathering and rapid deployment are critical to deterring potential attacks. They note that public reporting of threats, while necessary, must be matched with coordinated security responses to prevent escalation.
For residents of Utouno, the coming days are viewed as critical. Community elders say their primary concern is safeguarding lives, especially those of children and the elderly. Many hope that increased patrols and visible security presence will serve as a deterrent to any planned assault.
As authorities assess the situation, the threat against Utouno highlights the continuing challenge of rural banditry in Nigeria’s North West, where communities often find themselves negotiating survival amid limited state protection and the constant risk of armed violence.
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