Bandits Kill 17 Farmers in Zamfara Attack, Injure Several Others

Suspected bandits killed at least 17 farmers and injured several others in an attack on Goran Namaye village, Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, on Friday.

An indigene, Ibrahim Mohammed, told _The PUNCH_ the attack occurred while farmers were working on their farmlands.

He said the armed men had earlier warned residents not to go to their farms during planting season. Despite the warning, some farmers returned to their fields and were attacked.

“Suddenly, the bandits in large numbers invaded the farmlands and started shooting at the farmers. They killed 17 farmers and injured several others,” Mohammed said.

The victims were given a mass burial, while the injured were taken to a hospital in Talata-Mafara for treatment.

Zamfara House of Assembly member, Maharazu Salisu, condemned the attack and urged the federal and state governments to act urgently to curb worsening insecurity.

“Both the state and federal government should do something urgently to stop these killings, otherwise our people will be prevented from farming this year,” Salisu said.

He warned that continued attacks could cripple farming and worsen food insecurity, noting bandits are “bent on making sure farming activities are stopped.” Unlike typical kidnappings, he said they were not demanding ransom.

Salisu urged security agencies to intensify operations so farmers can return to their farmlands without fear.