Five others injured in suspected reprisal attack as rural communities confront growing insecurity
UNITY TIMES NORTH-WEST BUREAU
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SOKOTO — Fear has returned to farming communities in parts of Sokoto State after armed bandits attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area, killing at least eight farmers and injuring five others.
The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon at about 3 p.m., according to local accounts.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the deaths and injuries, saying investigations were ongoing.
Local residents believe the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for recent security operations in which several suspected bandits were reportedly killed.
That possibility makes the incident particularly worrying.
When criminal groups respond to security offensives by attacking civilians, rural communities can become trapped between armed groups and counter-insurgency operations.
The farmer becomes the frontline victim
For northern Nigeria, the consequences extend beyond the immediate loss of life.
Farmers who fear entering their fields cannot produce enough food. Communities that cannot farm face rising food prices. Families forced away from their land lose income and livelihoods.
The cycle is therefore larger than banditry. It connects directly to food security, displacement, rural poverty and inflation.
Sokoto’s latest tragedy also illustrates why military victories against criminal groups must be accompanied by sustained protection of communities after operations.
If armed groups can return after security forces withdraw, residents remain exposed.
For farmers, the question is increasingly simple: Can they safely go to their farms tomorrow?
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