Bandits suspected to be among so-called “repentant” groups on Monday attacked Layin Danauta village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing an unspecified number of farmers and abducting several others.
A community source told Sahara Reporters the attack occurred around 11am when the armed men stormed farmlands north of the village and opened fire on farmers.
According to the source, seven women and about 15 men were abducted during the attack, although the figures remained preliminary.
Several farmers were also injured in the attack, while residents and local volunteers continued search-and-recovery efforts late into the night.
As of 11:30pm, six bodies had reportedly been recovered from the scene.
Community sources expressed fear that the death toll could rise as efforts continued to locate other missing victims.
The exact number of those killed, injured and abducted had yet to be officially confirmed as of press time.
The latest attack came days after residents staged a protest in Birnin Gwari town over renewed violence linked to suspected bandits in the area.
The protest followed the killing of Ibrahim Adamu, a commercial driver said to be the grandson of a traditional ruler in the Birnin Gwari Emirate, and the abduction of farmers in another community.
During the protest, angry youths reportedly took to the streets and chased some herders and Fulani residents out of parts of the town before security operatives, traditional rulers and community leaders intervened to restore calm.
The Birnin Gwari axis has witnessed repeated attacks despite claims of peace arrangements with armed groups.
Residents said the latest violence had heightened fear among farmers and further disrupted agricultural activities in rural communities.
They called on security agencies to intensify operations in the area and protect farmers as the rainy season progresses.
