At least 17 farmers have been reported killed, and several others sustained varying degrees of injuries after bandits attacked Goran Namaye village in Zamfara State.
The attackers, it was learnt, stormed the farming area in large numbers and began shooting sporadically at the farmers, forcing many to scamper to safety within the axis.
This assault came days after the bandits warned residents against returning to their farms during the planting season, unless they were permitted to carry out any activity on the farmlands.
A resident, Ibrahim Mohammed, told our correspondent on Saturday that the attack occurred yesterday in Goran Namaye village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, the bandits had warned the villagers to stay away from their farmlands during planting season; however, some shrugged off the warning to sustain their livelihoods.
“Without notice, the gunmen invaded the farms and started shooting at the farmers. Seventeen people were killed, while many others sustained injuries,” Mohammed said.
He explained that the victims died at the scene, while the injured were evacuated for medical treatment.
The deceased were later buried in a mass funeral attended by grieving relatives and community members.
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, a member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Maharazu Salisu, condemned the killings and urged both the federal and state governments to take immediate action to tackle insecurity in the area.
“The authorities must act urgently to stop these attacks. If the situation continues, many farmers will be unable to cultivate their lands this season,” Salisu said.
The lawmaker warned that armed groups have established a strong presence across several communities, creating fear among residents and disrupting economic activities.
He also alleged that some kidnapped victims in neighbouring communities remain in captivity following unsuccessful reconciliation efforts with bandits.
According to him, the attackers appear determined to cripple farming activities rather than seek financial gain through ransom payments.
“These criminals are targeting farming communities and making it difficult for people to earn a living. Their actions pose a serious threat to food production and rural livelihoods,” he said.
Salisu further called on security agencies to intensify operations in vulnerable communities, stressing that restoring safety would enable farmers to return to their fields without fear.
He added that continued attacks could worsen food insecurity in Zamfara and other parts of northern Nigeria that depend heavily on agricultural production.