A strong feeling of foreboding has enveloped the Utono community in the Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State following a threat letter it received from suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist organisation demanding a N100 million ‘Zakat’ or be attacked.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the panic-stricken residents of the community appeared helpless as the terrorists, who identified themselves as fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad (JAS), the formal name historically associated with Boko Haram, warned that even if they called soldiers, “they cannot stop us from entering”.
The handwritten letter, dated February 17, 2026, addressed to the district head of Utono, and written in Hausa language, alerted that they would storm the community at any time and warned them not to flee.
The insurgents instructed the residents that the demanded funds be assembled in advance at the district head’s palace.
The threat letter read in part: “Peace be upon you, the entire community living in the surrounding areas. We are informing you that the fighters of Jannatul Ahlussunna Lidda’awa wal Jihad are sending you this message of warning.
“From now on, starting immediately, even if it is in the daytime, do not attempt to run away or flee. By the will of Allah, we will come whether it rains or not, whether it is morning or night. We will enter the town and go straight to the palace of the district head.
The district head should announce to the people that they must gather and prepare our zakat payment in cash amounting to one hundred million naira before we arrive. The money should be gathered in advance.”
Cattle owners in the community were also directed to present their livestock for assessment as part of the enforced “zakat” collection. The dare-devil terror group also ordered that wealthy indigenes of the area living outside the community be contacted to contribute financially toward meeting the ₦100million demand.
“Furthermore, anyone who owns cattle must prepare them for zakat. Every cattle owner, whether male or female, must bring all cattle from the bush back home so they can be counted.
“We have been informed that there are some people from your area who are outside in other towns and are wealthy. You should inform them and tell them to send their financial contributions so that the total required amount can be completed,” the terrorists directed.
Issuing a severe warning of the consequences of noncompliance, the letter said, “If anything happens and you fail to comply, you should blame yourselves because you have refused to support and assist us. Even if you call soldiers, they cannot stop us from entering.
“Also, there are wealthy people who do not give zakat, both men and women. They should prepare themselves, as we will enforce punishment on them. We are coming. Peace be upon you.”
It could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report what action security agencies are taking to protect the hapless residents as no formal statement on the brazen threat had been issued.