At least nine farmers have reportedly been killed, while several others remain missing, following an attack by suspected bandits on farmlands in Gidan Danjumma community, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Gatekeepers News reports that a resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers had previously warned villagers against cultivating their farmlands during the 2026 wet farming season.
According to the source, many farmers ignored the threats and continued their farming activities, prompting the gunmen to launch a deadly assault on the community’s farmlands.
The resident said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers and opened fire on the farmers.
“The farmers didn’t take the warning from the bandits seriously and continued farming activities. The bandits later came in large numbers and attacked them, killing nine people,” the source said.
He disclosed that nine farmers were killed on the spot, while several others fled into nearby forests in a desperate attempt to escape the attack.
The source expressed fears that the casualty figure could increase, noting that some of those who escaped sustained gunshot wounds, while many others remain unaccounted for.
“It is suspected that the death toll may rise because some of those who escaped the attack sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries, while others are still missing after running into the forests,” he added.
According to the resident, the attackers pursued fleeing farmers on motorcycles, firing sporadically as they chased them deeper into the forest.
“As at the time I am talking to you, only nine people have been confirmed dead. It is not clear the fate of many others who fled into the forest because the bandits pursued them while shooting sporadically.”
The source further alleged that the gunmen have continued to issue threats to residents, warning them against returning to their farms and promising severe consequences for anyone who disobeys their directives.
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 area to restore calm and strengthen security.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident.
