At least nine farmers have been killed after bandits attacked a village in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria. “Several” other people were also kidnapped, according to a security report seen by AFP on Sunday and a local source.
Just weeks into the rainy season, jihadists and criminal gangs — kidnappers seeking ransom and cattle thieves known locally as “bandits” — have stepped up attacks on farming communities across northern and central Nigeria. Many of the attacks target villages that refuse to pay the levies the gangs demand.
Kaduna is among the states hit by the gangs. They often raid villages, kill and abduct residents for ransom, loot homes, and then set them on fire.
A security report prepared for the United Nations and seen by AFP on Sunday said the attackers struck on Saturday. They moved into farmlands outside Kakangi village in Birnin Gwari district and opened fire on farmers working in their fields.
“Nine bodies have been recovered so far, with six of the victims identified by local authorities,” the report said.
Kabiru Ishaq, a community leader in Birnin Gwari, about 60 kilometres (37 miles) away, visited the village to offer condolences. He said 10 people were killed.
He said the attack was carried out in revenge after farmers killed a bandit during a failed robbery attempt earlier that day. The security report gave the same reason for the attack.
The bandit’s accomplice “returned with reinforcements and launched a retaliatory assault”, the report said.
Attacks on farming communities in the farming district of Birnin Gwari have continued despite a peace deal reached in November 2024. The agreement was brokered by local authorities between the communities and the bandits.
Last month, local sources said at least six farmers were killed and 20 others kidnapped during an attack on Danauta village in the same district.
