Armed bandits have reportedly killed a farmer, identified as Malam Musa Dogo, and abducted his eldest son, Uzaifa, following an attack on their farm in Zangata community, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, November 5, when the attackers invaded the farm and seized both victims. Their bodies were later discovered, with the farmer confirmed dead while his son was also reportedly killed.
The killings have raised fresh concerns about the growing insecurity in farming communities across Niger State, where residents continue to face attacks, kidnappings and ransom demands from armed groups.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at 4:30 pm at the Maidubu Primary School football field in Kontagora.
The latest incident comes amid several attacks on rural communities in the state.
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On October 31, suspected bandits invaded a farm in Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari district of Rafi Local Government Area, and abducted 14 pupils of an Islamic school alongside their teacher while they were harvesting maize.
The state police command confirmed the incident and disclosed that security operatives had begun efforts to rescue the abducted victims.
Similarly, on September 27, suspected bandits reportedly kidnapped 47 farmers harvesting groundnuts in Tugan-Rimi community, Mariga Local Government Area.
In another incident, about 40 farmers were reportedly abducted in Mukura village, near Kasuwa Garba, in the same local government area. The attackers were said to have demanded more than ₦100 million in ransom from their families.
The repeated attacks have increased fears among farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods but now risk being kidnapped or killed while working on their farmlands.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army announced on Friday, November 6, that its troops had rescued 16 kidnapped persons during an operation along suspected terrorist routes in Kontagora Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 33 motorcycles and other items.
Despite the rescue operation, the continued attacks have raised concerns about the safety of residents in rural communities, with calls for stronger security measures to protect farmers and prevent further killings and abductions.
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