Nine Farmers Killed, Several Missing After Bandit Attack on Zamfara Community

By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

No fewer than nine farmers have been killed and several others reported missing following an attack by suspected armed bandits on farmlands in Gidan Danjumma village, located in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to a resident of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the attackers had earlier warned villagers against cultivating their farmlands during the 2026 wet farming season.

The source said many farmers ignored the threat and proceeded to their farms to begin agricultural activities. This reportedly prompted the bandits to invade the area in large numbers, surrounding the farmlands and opening fire on the farmers.
He said nine farmers were killed on the spot, while several others fled into nearby forests in an attempt to escape the attack.

“There is a possibility that the death toll may rise because some of those who escaped sustained gunshot wounds, while others are still unaccounted for after fleeing into the forest,” the source said.

He added that the attackers pursued fleeing farmers on motorcycles while continuing to shoot sporadically.

“For now, only nine people have been confirmed dead. We do not know the fate of many others who ran into the forest because the bandits chased them while firing shots,” he said.

The resident further alleged that the attackers repeatedly shouted warnings against farming, threatening severe consequences for anyone who defied their directive.

Meanwhile, security personnel, including troops of the Nigerian Army, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), have reportedly been deployed to the affected community to restore normalcy and strengthen security in the area.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.