Bandits have killed at least 15 farmers in Gakurdi village, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
It was gathered that the victims were killed on Tuesday morning, May 24, while preparing their farms outside the village ahead of the rainy season.
A resident told Daily Trust the bandits, who rode on four motorcycles, were initially headed into Gakurdi village but upon sighting the farmers, they began shooting.
“They came around 8:30 am today (Tuesday), using four motorcycles and started killing the people. Three were killed on the same farm and eventually, it was discovered that up to 15 were killed on different farms,” he said.
He added that by the time the villagers discovered what was happening, the attackers had fled the area.
Also speaking, a resident of Daddara ward, Bashir Salihu, said the bandits also burnt down some houses.
“What I learnt is that the residents went to clear and prepare their farms for the start of the planting season, which is usually during the outset of the rainy season. The bandits went to the village on motorcycles and upon sighting the farmers, started shooting indiscriminately. I don’t know if they had planned to attack the farmers or the village,” he said.
Those killed were buried in the village on Tuesday afternoon.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Gambo Isa, who confirmed the incident, said eight gunmen on four motorcycles carried out the bloody attack.
“We were there with the CP (police commissioner) and attended the burial. What happened was that the bandits stormed the village this morning (Tuesday) and started shooting sporadically. The villages started running for their lives and all the 12 people killed were all shot on farms outside the community,” he said.
The PPRO said some of the residents have guns but only a young boy stood his ground and shot back at the bandits.
