Sokoto Bandits Kill 8 Farmers, Injure 5 in Suspected Reprisal Attack

At least eight farmers have been killed and five others injured after armed bandits reportedly attacked Gandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack happened around 3pm on Sunday, with residents saying the gunmen opened fire on farmers in the community, sending people fleeing in panic. The assault is suspected to be a reprisal for recent security operations against bandit groups in the area.

A local source said the attackers appeared to have deliberately targeted farmers. According to the source, several members of the armed group were reportedly killed during recent operations by security agencies, raising fears that the community had been selected for retaliation.

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

The latest attack comes after intensified security operations in Rabah Local Government Area. The operations have reportedly inflicted significant casualties on bandit groups and forced some fighters to abandon hideouts and routes used for criminal activities.

Residents of Gandi and neighbouring communities are now facing renewed fears over their safety, particularly as farming communities remain exposed to attacks by armed groups. The violence also threatens agricultural activities in an area where many residents depend on farming for their livelihoods.

Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the command was aware of the attack when contacted on Sunday evening. He said, however, that officials were still gathering details about the incident.

The killings have renewed calls for security agencies to maintain pressure on armed groups while taking stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities from retaliatory attacks. For farmers in Gandi, the latest bloodshed has deepened concerns over whether they can safely return to their farms amid continuing insecurity.