Bandits Kill Eight Farmers, Injure Five Others in Sokoto Attack

No fewer than eight farmers have been killed and at least five others injured after suspected bandits attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, throwing residents into panic as the armed assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3:00pm.

The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday evening.

Rufai said the command was aware of the attack, adding that security authorities were still gathering details on the incident.

A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers opened fire on farmers in the community.

“The bandits came around 3:00pm and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries,” the source said.

The source alleged that the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the killing of some members of the bandit group by security personnel during recent operations in the area.

“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 heightened security concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who continue to face threats from armed groups operating across parts of Sokoto State.

The attack also comes amid ongoing security operations aimed at curbing banditry and protecting farming communities in the state.