Suspected bandits have killed four farmers and abducted at least 12 others in a fresh attack on Ghandi District, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight on Tuesday, has heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in the eastern part of the state, particularly as the farming season intensifies.
According to local sources, the victims were working on farmlands located on the outskirts of the community when armed assailants stormed the area and opened fire.
A resident, Malam Ibrahim Umar, revealed that the attack happened near his farmland, which he had earlier abandoned due to recurring security threats.
“I stopped cultivating that land because it is unsafe. Some of my relatives requested to use it, and I agreed. Unfortunately, they were attacked while working,” he said.
Umar added that the farmers were on the land around 11 a.m. when the attackers struck, killing four on the spot and whisking others away to an unknown destination.
Another resident, Muhammed Sani, noted that there were conflicting reports about the exact time of the attack, suggesting it may have occurred earlier in the day.
“We believe it happened around 9 a.m., but it wasn’t discovered until later. People here live in constant fear; no one feels safe anymore,” he lamented.
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A source within the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that 12 abducted victims have been identified so far.
The source also disclosed that one person sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The latest incident comes despite ongoing security operations by troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, alongside other security agencies working across Sokoto and neighboring states to curb banditry.
However, communities in eastern Sokoto, including Rabah, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Isa local government areas, continue to experience frequent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
The situation has forced many farmers to abandon their lands, posing a serious threat to agricultural productivity during the rainy season.
Efforts to get an official response from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson stated he had yet to receive details of the attack at the time of filing this report.
As of now, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding rescue efforts for the abducted victims.
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