Bandits have killed four farmers and abducted at least 12 others in a daylight attack on Gandi District in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, while the victims were working on farmlands on the outskirts of the community.
A resident of Gandi, Malam Tukur Muhammad, confirmed that the attack took place on his farmland, which he had previously abandoned due to rising insecurity in the area.
“It was my farmland where the attack happened. Because it is located on the outskirts of Gandi, I had stopped cultivating it. Some of my relatives later requested to use the land, and I allowed them,” he said.
He explained that the farmers were working on the land around 11 a.m. when the armed bandits stormed the area, shooting four people dead on the spot and abducting several others.
“They were on the farm when the bandits attacked. Four of them were shot dead instantly, while others were taken away,” he added.
Another resident, who spoke anonymously, said the attack may have occurred earlier, around 9 a.m., but was only discovered later by members of the community.
“We live in constant fear because no one is safe in the eastern part of Sokoto State,” the resident said.
A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that 12 abducted persons had been identified so far. He added that one injured victim was receiving treatment at Gandi General Hospital.
“We just returned from the scene. Four farmers were killed, one was injured and is in the hospital. So far, 12 people have been confirmed abducted,” he said.
However, a security source said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gandi responded to the attack, engaging the assailants and rescuing seven kidnapped victims.
The source added that two motorcycles were recovered during the operation, while one civilian sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated to Gandi General Hospital for treatment. The attackers reportedly fled after encountering the troops.
