At least eight farmers were killed and five others sustained gunshot injuries when suspected bandits attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Sunday.
The assailants reportedly invaded the community at about 3:00 pm, opening fire on residents and throwing the area into panic.
The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Sunday evening.
Rufai said the police were aware of the incident, adding that the command was still working to establish the full details of what happened.
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A resident, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the attackers targeted farmers in the community.
“The bandits came around 3:00 pm and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries.”
The source linked the attack to an alleged reprisal by the bandits following the killing of some members of their group by security personnel 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 incident has renewed fears among residents of Ghandi and surrounding communities, with farmers particularly concerned over continued attacks by armed groups operating in parts of Sokoto State.