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 attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the assailants reportedly storming the farming community around 3 p.m. and opening fire on residents, causing panic as people fled the area.
The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident, saying the command was aware of the attack and was gathering further information.
A local source said the attackers deliberately targeted farmers in what residents believe was a reprisal attack following recent security operations against bandits in the area.
According to the source, several members of the armed group were reportedly killed by security personnel during operations carried out in the preceding days, prompting fears that the latest assault was intended as retaliation.
The attack has heightened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who depend on their farms for their livelihoods.
The latest violence comes amid intensified security operations against armed groups operating across parts of Sokoto State. Security agencies have increased efforts to disrupt bandit networks and clear their hideouts in rural communities.
While the suspected motive for the attack has been linked by residents to recent security operations, authorities have yet to independently establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged reprisal.
The five injured victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken for medical treatment, while security personnel were deployed to the affected community following the attack.
The killings have renewed concerns over the vulnerability of farming communities in parts of north-western Nigeria, where attacks by armed groups have disrupted agricultural activities and forced residents to abandon their farms.
For many rural communities, continued insecurity poses a serious threat to food production as farmers increasingly face difficulties accessing their fields without security protection.
The police said further details would be released after the ongoing information-gathering process is completed.
Security agencies are expected to intensify surveillance and operations around Ghandi and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and track down those responsible.
The latest incident adds to the growing security challenges confronting Sokoto communities, where bandit attacks and other forms of violence have continued to threaten residents.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
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