Terrorists locally dubbed as bandits have attacked Dukura community in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing two people and reportedly stealing livestock and motorcycles belonging to residents.
The attack occurred on Monday morning, according to a post by a security reporter, Bakatsine, who shared details of the incident on X.
The attackers reportedly blocked the road linking Dukura and other affected communities to Tambuwal market during the assault.
According to the account, the bandits killed two people before taking away cows, camels, sheep and motorcycles belonging to some commercial motorcycle riders.
The attack has reportedly heightened fear among residents of Dukura, Dalijan and several communities in Girkau Ward.
The affected communities reportedly include Zugu, Indire, Mazoji, Tungar Kabawa, Runtuwa, Jabga and Sabon Garin Zugu.
The report said residents in the affected areas are increasingly concerned about the security situation, which was described as volatile and unpredictable.
The latest attack comes amid persistent security challenges in parts of Sokoto State and other communities across northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target rural communities, roads and settlements.
The source also shared photographs purportedly showing the victims of the attack.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Sokoto State Police Command or other security agencies confirming the attack, the number of casualties or the reported abduction and theft of livestock and motorcycles.
Earlier this month, SaharaReporters reported that a tragedy loomed in Kebbe town in the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a ₦40million extortion demand issued by bandits who have threatened to kill residents and burn the community to ashes if the sum is not paid within seven days.
The terror group communicated the demand on Tuesday afternoon, sending a mobile phone through a local farmer directly to the District Head of Kebbe.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X handle, @DanKatsina50.
According to him, the bandits which initially gave residents five days to raise the money, later extended it to seven days, ending next Tuesday, following pleas from the community.
“Yesterday afternoon, bandits demanded a N40million levy from residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe LGA, Sokoto State, threatening to kill residents and burn the town if the money is not paid,” Bakatsine wrote.
“Local sources said the bandits sent a phone through a farmer to the District Head of Kebbe and initially gave the community five days to meet the demand. After pleas, they reportedly extended the deadline to seven days (next Tuesday).”
The telephone allegedly used by the bandits was subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.
The armed group reportedly warned the police officer that the phone must remain charged and reachable, threatening to attack the town if their calls were not answered.
“The bandits allegedly warned the DPO that it must remain charged and reachable, saying they would attack the town if their calls were not answered,” the reporter said.
The latest threat has reportedly heightened anxiety among residents, who are now faced with the difficult prospect of raising the huge sum or risking an attack on the community.
“What happens if the deadline passes without an agreement?” Bakatsine asked.
The latest development comes barely weeks after Kebbe town came under attack by suspected bandits, with reports that the assailants moved into the community in large numbers, looted shops and attacked security installations.