By By Elizabeth Ugbo
At least nine farmers were killed and several others were abducted on Saturday after armed bandits attacked farmlands outside Kakangi village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attackers opened fire on farmers working in their fields before fleeing with several captives. Local leaders and a security report prepared for the United Nations confirmed the incident, saying the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of a bandit earlier that day.
Farmers Targeted During Rainy Season
According to the security report seen by AFP, the attackers stormed the farmlands surrounding Kakangi village and began shooting at farmers.
The assault happened during the peak of the rainy season, when many residents are actively cultivating their farms.
Security sources said the attack followed a failed robbery attempt earlier on Saturday. During that incident, local farmers reportedly killed one of the bandits.
However, the slain bandit’s accomplice escaped and later returned with heavily armed reinforcements. The group then launched a deadly revenge attack on the farming community.
Death Toll Rises
The UN security report confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered after the attack.
It added that local authorities had identified six of the victims.
Meanwhile, Kabiru Ishaq, a community leader from Birnin Gwari who visited Kakangi to sympathise with residents, said the death toll had reached 10.
He also confirmed that several villagers were kidnapped during the raid.
Peace Agreement Yet to End Violence
Despite a peace agreement brokered by local authorities in November 2024, attacks have continued across Birnin Gwari.
The agreement was designed to reduce violence between farming communities and armed bandits. Nevertheless, deadly raids have persisted across the district.
Last month, bandits killed at least six farmers and abducted 20 others during an attack on Danauta village in the same local government area.
Bandit Attacks Threaten Food Production
Armed gangs continue to terrorise communities across Kaduna and several states in northern and central Nigeria.
The groups frequently attack villages, kill residents, abduct victims for ransom, steal livestock, and destroy homes.
Security experts have warned that repeated attacks on farming communities could worsen food insecurity by preventing farmers from cultivating their land during the planting season.
As insecurity spreads across rural areas, residents continue to call for stronger security measures to protect lives and farmlands.
