EIGHT FARMERS KILLED AS BANDITS LAUNCH REPRISAL ATTACK IN SOKOTO

At least eight farmers have been killed and five others injured after suspected bandits launched a reprisal attack on the Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The attack reportedly occurred on Sunday as tensions escalated in the community following an earlier confrontation between security forces and armed terrorists operating in the area.

According to reports, the attackers targeted farmers in the community, leaving several residents dead and others with gunshot injuries.

The incident has heightened fear among residents, particularly farmers who depend on their fields for their livelihoods and are already facing growing security challenges in parts of Sokoto State.

The latest attack occurred around the same period that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma thwarted an attempted advance by armed terrorists towards Ghandi town.

Security forces reportedly received intelligence about the movement of the armed group towards the community and deployed troops to strategic positions around the Ghandi Bridge.

The troops subsequently engaged the terrorists after making contact, forcing the attackers to retreat. Several of the terrorists were reportedly wounded during the confrontation, while some attempted to escape by jumping into a nearby river.

A subsequent search and clearance operation conducted by the troops led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, additional ammunition and other personal effects reportedly abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

The military has continued mop-up operations in the area as it works to locate members of the armed group who escaped during the confrontation.

The reprisal attack on farmers has nevertheless raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities to retaliation by armed groups following military operations.

Farmers in affected areas often face difficult choices between abandoning their farms for safety and continuing agricultural activities despite the risks posed by bandits and terrorists.

The killings are also likely to deepen concerns over food security in communities where insecurity has repeatedly disrupted farming activities and forced residents to stay away from their farmlands.

Security agencies are expected to maintain a stronger presence around Ghandi and neighbouring communities to prevent further attacks and protect residents.

The latest incident further underscores the need for sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities in the fight against terrorism and banditry in north-western Nigeria.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.