Villagers in Bakale, located within the Kilgori district of Sokoto State’s Yabo Local Government Area, face a grave ultimatum. An armed group has demanded a N20 million payment. This ransom is supposedly to avert future attacks.
Militant Leader Imposes New Demand
An audio recording, acquired by a DailyTrust journalist, reveals the gang leader’s directive. He told the village head to assemble residents. The purpose was to convey the group’s latest demand.
The leader questioned, “Did you meet with them? Did they agree to follow your instruction?”
The traditional ruler confirmed his discussion with the villagers. Subsequently, the militant ordered a follow-up meeting. He asserted the community must now pay N20 million to avoid violence.
Compliance Required to Prevent Assaults
The armed group’s leader stated the payment would secure peace for the residents.
He declared, “Our aim is not to attack you. Thus, we imposed this fee. If paid, I assure you continued peace. We will protect your community from other groups and kidnappings. Failure to pay, however, means we will attack, kill, and abduct your people. This is our final word.”
Non-compliance, he emphasized, would result in assaults, fatalities, and kidnappings.
Multiple Villages Face Similar Demands
An anonymous community leader informed our reporter. He revealed that multiple nearby settlements received similar demands recently.
Villages spanning the Kilgori and Torankawa districts are impacted. These include Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Bakale, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, Barmadu, among others.
Ransom Amounts Vary by Settlement
The source explained that each village’s demand differs. It depends on its size and population.
The armed groups’ demands vary significantly. They range from N3 million to N20 million.
About the Author
