At least eight farmers have been killed and five others injured after suspected bandits attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday afternoon, when the armed men stormed the community and opened fire on residents.
According to local sources, the attackers arrived at about 3:00 p.m., throwing the community into panic as farmers and other residents fled for safety.
The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation with journalists on Sunday evening.
Rufai said the police command was aware of the incident and was working to obtain further details about the attack.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants targeted farmers in the community.
“The bandits came around 3:00 pm and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries,” the source said.
The resident alleged that the attack may have been carried out as retaliation for recent security operations in the area, during which several suspected bandits were reportedly killed.
“We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days,” the source added.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in Rabah Local Government Area, particularly among farming communities that have continued to face threats from armed groups.
Residents have expressed fears that the attack could further disrupt farming activities and force farmers away from their fields at a time when many communities depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Security agencies are expected to intensify operations in the affected area to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
