By Paul Aondoakaa 

At least 17 farmers have been killed in a violent attack by suspected bandits on Goran Namaye village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The attack reportedly occurred on Friday while farmers were working on their farmlands during the planting season. Several others sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Talata-Mafara for treatment.

Residents of Goran Namaye village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State are in mourning after suspected armed bandits attacked farmlands and killed at least 17 farmers.

An indigene of the community, Salisu Usman told Benue Info-pedia via phone call that the attackers stormed the area on Friday while farmers were engaged in agricultural activities.

He said the armed group had earlier issued warnings, threatening to attack anyone who went to the farms during the planting season.
Despite the threats, some farmers reportedly continued farming activities, leading to the deadly encounter.

According to Mohammed, the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on farmers working on their fields. Seventeen people were confirmed dead on the spot, while several others sustained injuries of varying severity.

The victims were later given a mass burial, while the injured were moved to a hospital in Talata-Mafara for medical attention.

Another farmer from Zamfara State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, condemned the attack and urged urgent government intervention at both state and federal levels.
He warned that repeated assaults on farming communities could force residents to abandon agriculture entirely, worsening food insecurity in the region.

The source also alleged that insecurity in the area has persisted, with reports of abductions and ongoing fear across several communities.

According to him, some kidnapping victims remain in captivity following failed reconciliation attempts with armed groups operating in the area.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations and restore safe access to farmlands, stressing that farmers are increasingly unable to carry out planting activities without fear.

Local concerns are growing that continued attacks could significantly disrupt agricultural output in Zamfara State, a region already affected by prolonged insecurity.