Bandit attack leaves 17 farmers dead in Zamfara farmlands

At least 17 farmers have been killed in a fresh attack by armed bandits on Goron Namaye village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in one of the latest assaults targeting rural communities in northwestern Nigeria.

The attack occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, when armed men reportedly arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on farmers working in their fields.

Local sources said the attackers initially blended in as ordinary visitors before suddenly unleashing gunfire on unsuspecting villagers.

Officials confirmed on Saturday that five other residents sustained injuries in the attack, with three of them said to be in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Community leaders said the victims have since been buried according to local customs, while security agencies have launched investigations into the incident.

A village head, Abubakar Jarra, described the attack as devastating, calling for increased security presence in farming communities to prevent further loss of lives during the ongoing farming season.

Security sources and local residents believe the incident may be linked to retaliatory violence following recent clashes in which vigilante groups reportedly killed suspected bandits during a failed attack in the area days earlier. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the motive.

The latest killings add to growing concerns over escalating violence in rural parts of Zamfara State, where farmers have increasingly been targeted in attacks, kidnappings, and extortion-related violence.

Local officials warn that continued insecurity could further disrupt farming activities and worsen food production challenges in the region, as many residents abandon their farmlands out of fear of attacks.

Security operations are ongoing in the area as authorities work to track those responsible for the assault.