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.

Suspected armed militia members have reportedly attacked Mbasa community in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving one person dead and several homes destroyed by fire.

Military sources said troops of Sector 1, working alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, received a distress call around 8:30 a.m. on June 4 informing them of an assault on residents of the community.

The sources disclosed that security personnel immediately moved to the area but found that the attackers had already escaped before their arrival.

An initial assessment conducted after the incident indicated that one resident lost his life during the attack, while a number of houses were razed by the assailants.

Security operatives also recovered two empty 7.62mm special ammunition shells at the scene, suggesting that the attackers used firearms during the operation.

The remains of the victim were later taken away by relatives for burial in line with local traditions.

Military authorities stated that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those behind the attack. 

They added that security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further incidents and restore confidence among residents.

Three personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, have been killed by suspected bandits in an attack along the Tsamiya–Illo Road in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

This was disclosed in a post on Saturday by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in Lake Chad region.

Makama stated that the incident occurred while the officers were carrying out official duties on the road, according to security sources.

According to the report, the attackers reportedly ambushed the officers, who attempted to flee after sighting the gunmen. However, the assailants, said to be riding motorcycles, chased them and opened fire, killing all three officers.

The deceased were identified as Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant, Umar Aliyu, Senior Road Marshal Assistant, Ezra Manu Gona, and Road Marshal Assistant I, Mansur Ibrahim Nasir.

Security sources said the attack has heightened tension in the area, prompting authorities to advise personnel operating within the axis to exercise caution pending further security assessments.

The motive for the attack had not been established as of the time of filing this report, while efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Security agencies have since intensified surveillance and other precautionary measures in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.