Sokoto: Bandits kill eight farmers, injure five in reprisal attack

Bandits have attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing no fewer than eight farmers and injuring at least five others.

The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, sending residents into panic as the assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3pm.

The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday evening.

Rufai said the command was aware of the attack, adding that details were still being gathered.

A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bandits opened fire on farmers in the community.

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

The source alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of some members of the bandit group by security operatives during recent operations in the area.

“We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days,” the source said.

The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who continue to face threats from armed groups operating in parts of Sokoto State.