Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected bandits killed four farmers and abducted at least 12 others in a broad daylight attack on Gandi District in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the latest mass assault on rural communities that has intensified fears of a widening food crisis in the region. The attack occurred around 11 a.m. while the victims were working on farmlands located on the outskirts of the community, according to Malam Tukur Muhammad, a resident of Gandi whose farmland was the scene of the assault. Muhammad told Daily Trust that he had abandoned the land due to persistent insecurity but had granted permission to some relatives to cultivate it. “They were working on the farm around 11 a.m. when the bandits attacked. They shot four of the farmers, who died instantly, and abducted several others working in the area,” he said. Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack may have occurred earlier, around 9 a.m., but was not discovered by community members until about 11 a.m. “We are living in constant fear because no one is safe in the eastern part of Sokoto State,” the resident lamented. A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that four farmers were killed, one other person sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, and 12 abducted victims had so far been identified.
In a swift response, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gandi successfully rescued seven of the kidnapped victims and recovered two motorcycles during an engagement with the armed bandits, a security source disclosed. According to the source, the troops responded swiftly to the attack, forcing the assailants to retreat and enabling the safe rescue of the victims. One civilian sustained a gunshot wound during the exchange and was immediately evacuated to Gandi General Hospital for treatment. The operation was carried out by troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army deployed in Gandi after receiving reports of the attack.
A security source noted that the rapid deployment of troops helped prevent further casualties and property losses. The attack highlights the persistent insecurity facing communities in eastern Sokoto State, where residents continue to grapple with frequent attacks, killings, and kidnappings by armed groups despite ongoing security operations. Rabah Local Government Area, like several other parts of Sokoto East Senatorial District, has witnessed recurring incidents of banditry, including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and attacks on farming communities, forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands and threatening agricultural activities during the rainy season. When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa'i, said he was not yet aware of the incident but promised to contact the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area for further details.
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