Bandits Kill Four Farmers, Abduct Twelve in Sokoto

Suspected bandits have killed four farmers and taken at least 12 others in broad daylight. This attack happened in Ghandi District, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident raises fears about the ongoing insecurity in the eastern part of the state.

Reports say the attack took place on Tuesday while the victims were working on their farms at the edge of the community.

A resident, Malam Ibrahim Umar Ghandi, confirmed the incident. He said it happened close to his farmland, which he stopped using due to frequent security threats. He explained, “It was close to my farmland where the attack occurred. Because the land is located on the outskirts of Ghandi, I stopped cultivating it. However, some of my relatives sought my permission to use the land, which I granted.”

Umar added that the farmers were on the land around 11 a.m. when armed attackers arrived. “They were on the farm around 11 a.m. when the bandits attacked. They shot four of the farmers dead and abducted several others who were working in the area,” he said.

Another local, Muhammed Sani, mentioned there are mixed reports about when the attack occurred. He believes it might have happened earlier than reported. “We believe the attack happened around 9 a.m., but it was not discovered until about 11 a.m. We are living in constant fear because no one is safe in the eastern part of Sokoto State,” he said.

A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that 12 people have been identified as abducted. “We have just returned from the scene. Four farmers were killed, while one other person sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in hospital,” the source said. “So far, we have identified 12 persons who were abducted by the bandits.”

This attack comes even with renewed efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security agencies in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara states. They aim to break down bandit groups and bring peace to the affected areas.

Still, many communities in eastern Sokoto, especially in Rabah, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Isa local government areas, are struggling with attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. This situation forces many farmers to leave their lands and threatens farming activities during the rainy season.

When asked about the incident, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, said he had not received details yet. “I am not aware of the attack at the moment, but I will contact the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to obtain details and get back to you,” he said.

As of now, security officials have not released an official statement on the attack or what is being done to rescue the kidnapped victims.