At least 17 farmers were killed and several others sustained injuries after armed men attacked a farming community in Goron Namaye village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The assault happened on Friday while residents were working on their farmlands during the planting season. Witnesses said the attackers, who came in large numbers on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately, killing 17 farmers on the spot. Several others with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to a hospital in Talata-Mafara for treatment.

Community members said the gunmen had earlier warned residents not to go to their farms during the season, threatening attacks on anyone who defied the order. Despite the warning, some farmers proceeded to their farmlands where they were ambushed.

Local officials and residents condemned the attack, calling on federal and state governments to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity. They warned that continued assaults on farming communities could disrupt agricultural activities and worsen food insecurity in the region.

No group has claimed responsibility, though authorities link the violence to bandit groups operating in the area.

Sources: Arise News, Punch Newspapers.