Zamfara Farmers Suffer Heavy Loss as Bandits Launch Deadly Attack

A devastating attack by armed bandits has left a trail of destruction in the Goron Namaye district under Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. On Friday, June 12, 2026, the bandits, who were in large numbers, invaded farmlands in the area, resulting in the deaths of 16 farmers and injuring 13 others. According to the chairman of Maradun Local Government, Hon. Sanusi Ahmed Dosara, the bandits unleashed the deadly attack, causing widespread panic among the residents. A resident, Dan Inna Gora, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, reported that he counted not less than 17 corpses, while 13 others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Gora further revealed that the bandit leader had earlier sent a warning message to the people of Goron Namaye, instructing them to abandon their farms for the season. The attack was confirmed by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who stated that troops of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, alongside local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the bandit attack after receiving a distress report. It was gathered that troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Faru received information at about 10:40 a.m. that armed bandits were attacking villagers working on their farmlands in the Gora area. Upon receiving the report, the troops immediately mobilized to the scene in collaboration with local vigilantes. However, by the time the security forces arrived, the attackers had fled into a nearby forest. The troops pursued the terrorists along their withdrawal route in an effort to intercept them, but no further contact was established. Preliminary reports indicate that an unspecified number of residents were also reportedly abducted by the bandits, although authorities said the exact figure is yet to be confirmed. Following the incident, troops intensified patrols and domination operations across the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents. Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits and secure the safe return of those abducted, while maintaining stability in the affected communities.