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June 17,2026
Residents of Ghandi District in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State have been thrown into mourning and fear following a deadly attack by suspected bandits that left four farmers dead and at least 12 others abducted.
The latest assault, which occurred on Tuesday in broad daylight, has once again highlighted the worsening security situation across several communities in eastern Sokoto, where residents continue to live under the constant threat of armed attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
According to local sources, the victims were working on farmlands located on the outskirts of Ghandi community when heavily armed assailants invaded the area and opened fire on them before whisking several others away into the bush.
A resident of the district, who owns one of the affected farmlands, disclosed that recurring attacks in the area had already forced many landowners and farmers to abandon agricultural activities for fear of being targeted by criminal groups.
He explained that although he had stopped cultivating his farmland because of persistent security threats, some relatives had recently sought permission to use the land for farming activities
Tragically, those working on the farm became victims of the attack.
According to the resident, the farmers were carrying out routine agricultural work when the gunmen suddenly emerged and launched the assault.
"The attackers arrived unexpectedly and began shooting. Four people were killed on the spot while several others were taken away," he recounted.
Another community member said there were differing accounts regarding the exact time of the incident.
While some residents believed the attack occurred around 11 a.m., others suggested it may have happened earlier in the morning and remained unnoticed for some time because of the isolated nature of the farmland.
The resident lamented the growing atmosphere of fear across communities in the region, noting that many villagers now avoid travelling to farms or remote locations without armed escorts.
"We are living in fear every day. Farmers cannot safely access their lands, and many families depend entirely on farming for survival," he said.
A security operative attached to a local community security outfit, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media, confirmed the casualty figures after returning from the scene.
The source disclosed that four farmers lost their lives during the attack, while another victim sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The operative further revealed that authorities had so far identified 12 individuals who were abducted by the attackers, although efforts were still ongoing to determine whether additional persons remained missing.
Security personnel and local volunteers reportedly conducted search operations around the affected area shortly after the attack, but there was no immediate indication of the whereabouts of the kidnapped victims.
The incident comes despite ongoing military offensives under Operation FANSAN YAMMA and related security operations targeting criminal groups across the North-West region, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.
In recent months, security forces have intensified aerial and ground operations aimed at dismantling bandit camps, disrupting supply routes, and neutralising notorious criminal leaders.
However, many rural communities continue to experience sporadic attacks, particularly in remote farming settlements.
Communities in Rabah, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Isa local government areas remain among the hardest hit by insecurity.
Residents say the persistent attacks have significantly disrupted farming activities and economic livelihoods, raising concerns about food production during the current rainy season.
Agricultural stakeholders have repeatedly warned that continued insecurity in farming communities could negatively affect crop cultivation and food supply chains, as many farmers are reluctant to return to their fields.
When contacted for official confirmation, the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, said details of the incident had not yet reached his office.
He stated that he would liaise with officers in the affected area to obtain accurate information before making any official pronouncement.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the police nor other security agencies had released a formal statement regarding the attack, the identities of the victims, or ongoing efforts to rescue those abducted.
Meanwhile, community leaders have called for increased deployment of security personnel to vulnerable rural settlements, warning that unless urgent measures are taken, residents may continue to abandon their homes and farmlands in search of safety.
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