Sokoto: Bandits Kill Eight Farmers, Injure Five in Fresh Attack

At least eight farmers have been killed and five others injured in a suspected reprisal attack by armed bandits in Gandi community, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident occurred around 3pm on Sunday, according to residents, who said the attackers opened fire on farmers in the community, sending residents fleeing for safety. A local source said the victims appeared to have been deliberately targeted in what was believed to be retaliation for recent security operations in the area, during which several suspected bandits were reportedly killed. The source said the timing of the attack suggested that the assailants were seeking revenge for the losses suffered by their group. The latest violence has heightened anxiety in Gandi and neighbouring communities, where farmers have increasingly faced threats from armed groups operating across parts of Rabah and surrounding areas.

The attack comes shortly after security agencies intensified clearance operations against bandit groups in Rabah Local Government Area. The operations reportedly inflicted significant casualties on the criminal groups and forced some fighters to abandon hideouts and known operational routes. However, the latest assault has raised concerns that surviving members may resort to attacks on vulnerable communities in response to pressure from security forces. The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident but said officers were still working to establish the full details. The fresh killings are expected to increase calls for security agencies to sustain their offensive against banditry while strengthening protection for rural communities and farmers. For residents of Gandi, the incident has once again exposed the insecurity threatening lives, livelihoods and farming activities across parts of the state.

#UTVAfrica#