Olusegun ARIYO
Fresh tension has gripped the Utono community in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State following a letter allegedly sent by suspected terrorists demanding N100 million before they would be allowed to enter the town.
The threat comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Kebbi and neighbouring states, where armed groups have carried out raids, kidnappings, and extortion in rural communities.
According to findings, the letter, reportedly written in Hausa and dated February 17, 2026, was delivered to community leaders in the early hours of Thursday. It warned residents not to ignore the message, stating: “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 group reportedly referenced a previous attack on Woru community in the Kiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where several people were killed after a similar warning was ignored.
A community source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the letter has caused 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 said.
Confirming the authenticity of the letter, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said security agencies have been deployed to Utono to prevent any attack.https://urbanexpresslive.com/threat-letter-fear-grips-ngaski-inhabitants-as-suspected-terrorist-plans-attack/
He added that air surveillance and other measures have been put in place to reassure residents.
As of the time of reporting, security presence has been reinforced around Utono and neighbouring settlements, while residents remain on high alert.
