Bandits Kill at Least Nine Farmers, Abduct Several Others in Fresh Kaduna Village Attack

 

KAKANGI, Kaduna State  At least nine farmers have been killed and several others abducted after suspected bandits launched a deadly attack on Kakangi village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, escalating concerns over renewed violence targeting farming communities during the rainy season.

According to a security report cited by AFP, the attack occurred on Saturday as the farmers worked on their farmlands outside Kakangi village. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the victims before abducting an unspecified number of residents.

The report stated that nine bodies had been recovered, with six of the victims already identified by local authorities. However, a community leader in Birnin Gwari, Kabiru Ishaq, who visited the village after the incident, said the death toll stood at 10.

Residents alleged that the attack was a retaliatory assault after local farmers reportedly resisted an earlier robbery attempt and killed one of the suspected bandits.

According to the security report, the deceased bandit's accomplices later returned with reinforcements and launched a revenge attack on the farming community.

The latest violence comes despite a peace agreement brokered in November 2024 between local authorities and armed groups operating in Birnin Gwari. Community leaders have expressed concern that attacks have continued despite the truce.

Just weeks earlier, at least six farmers were reportedly killed and 20 others kidnapped during another attack on Danauta village in the same local government area.

Kaduna remains one of the states hardest hit by armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling, and attacks on rural communities. Security analysts say the onset of the rainy season often coincides with increased attacks on farming settlements as criminal groups seek to extort communities through illegal levies.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies had not issued an official statement regarding the latest attack or the number of persons abducted.

Authorities are expected to intensify security operations in the affected area as residents continue to demand stronger protection for farming communities.