Fresh violence has been reported in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where at least four people were killed in separate attacks and several travellers were allegedly abducted.

According to security analyst Bakatsine on X, “Reports indicate that three people were killed moment ago while working on their farms, two residents of Zurmi town and one from a nearby village.”

The security situation reportedly worsened with gunmen’s attack on Baichen Dauran community.

Bakatsine stated, “Last night, bandits reportedly stormed Baichen Dauran community in the LGA and killed one person.”

The attack was reportedly followed by another incident along a nearby road.

“The same night, travelers were allegedly abducted along the road near Baichen Dauran, including a commercial driver from Zurmi, Kabiru Takaye,” Bakatsine wrote

Residents of Zurmi and surrounding communities are said to be living in fear as recurring attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.

Authorities in Zamfara State had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents at the time of filing this report.

The suspected kidnappers of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been identified following a police rescue operation.

Adegoke and her sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued alive on Saturday during an operation carried out by the Nigeria Police.

According to police sources, two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the suspects.

The victims were abducted on Tuesday while Mrs Adegoke was reportedly taking the children to school.

Police said sustained intelligence gathering, tracking, and tactical pressure on the kidnappers led to the confrontation and the successful rescue of the victims.

A video of the rescue operation has since surfaced online, showing moments from the operation that Mrs Adegoke and her children were released.

Several farmers were reportedly killed and others injured in attacks by suspected bandits on communities in Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Lugga, Gwabro and Gwammanan communities, where the victims were said to be clearing and preparing their farmlands ahead of the farming season.

The attack was disclosed on Sunday by Bakatsine, a journalist who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post on X.

According to the report, the assailants attacked the farmers while they were working on their farms, resulting in multiple casualties. The exact number of those killed and injured was not immediately confirmed.

He wrote: “SAD NEWS: Yesterday afternoon, bandits reportedly killed several farmers and injured others in Lugga, Gwabro and Gwammanan communities in Zamfara State while they were clearing and preparing their farmlands.

“Beyond the tragic loss of lives, continued attacks on farmers threaten food production, livelihoods and economic stability. If insecurity keeps farmers away from their fields, Nigerians could face reduced harvests, rising food prices, increased hunger and deeper poverty in both rural and urban communities.

“How can a nation guarantee food security when those responsible for producing its food cannot safely access their farms?”

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in rural communities across Zamfara State, where attacks by armed groups have continued to disrupt farming activities and threaten livelihoods.

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