Bandits attacked the Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area, Sokoto State, on Sunday afternoon, killing at least eight farmers and injuring five others with gunshot wounds.

The assault happened around 3:00 pm and sent residents into panic as armed men stormed the area and opened fire.

Sokoto State Police Command spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a phone call on Sunday evening. He said the command was aware of the attack and that details were still being gathered.

A local source, speaking anonymously, said: “The bandits came around 3:00 pm and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries.”

The source believed the attack was carried out in retaliation: “We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days.”

The latest incident has deepened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, especially farmers who continue to face threats from armed groups operating across parts of the state.