Bandits kill 8 farmers, injure 5 in Sokoto community
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Suspected bandits have attacked Gandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing no fewer than eight farmers and leaving at least five others with fatal gunshot injuries.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, sent residents into panic as the assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3:00 p.m.
The spokesman of 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 of the incident were being gathered.
Another impeccable local source, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the bandits opened fire on farmers in the community.
According to the source, the bandits came around 3:00 p.m. and started shooting at people.
He said, “No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries.”
The source alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of some bandits by security agencies during recent operations in the area.
He said, “We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days.”
The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents of Gandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who have continued to face threats from armed groups operating in parts of the state.
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