A suspected bandit identified as Usman has allegedly issued threats to communities along the Niger and Kebbi border, warning residents of possible attacks and destruction.
The threat reportedly affects communities around Kwanji, extending to Babanna in Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas of Niger State, as well as neighbouring communities in Kebbi State.
A conflict reporter covering the North-West, Bakastine, raised the alarm in a post on X on Wednesday, accompanying the warning with a video purportedly showing Usman making the threats.
In the video, the suspected bandit allegedly called on Fulani residents in the affected areas to leave, warning that they should no longer seek intervention through Miyetti Allah or pursue their grievances through the courts.
He reportedly threatened that some communities would be destroyed and warned residents to expect the consequences of what he described as unresolved grievances.
The man also urged those who received the video to circulate it among government officials and prominent Fulani leaders, specifically calling for the governors of Niger and Kebbi states to be informed.
He reportedly claimed that previous efforts by Fulani communities to seek justice through the courts had failed, questioning the usefulness of resorting to legal channels to resolve their grievances.
The suspected bandit further warned that residents would not be permitted to engage in farming in the affected areas, a development that could threaten agricultural activities and livelihoods in the communities.
The reported threats come amid existing security and communal tensions in parts of Niger State and communities along the Niger-Kebbi boundary, where disputes involving farmers and pastoralists have contributed to insecurity.
The development has heightened concerns that the alleged threats could trigger further violence if not urgently addressed.
Bakastine called on the Niger and Kebbi state governments and security agencies to investigate the video and take immediate steps to prevent the situation from escalating.
Authorities had yet to publicly confirm the authenticity of the video or announce any arrest in connection with the alleged threats as of the time of filing the report.