At least 14 people, including five members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (ZCPG) and their commander, Garba Dogo, have been killed in a deadly attack by bandits in Jangebe, a farming village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The incident happened on Friday afternoon while the victims were working on their farms.
According to local sources, the heavily armed bandits stormed the area and opened fire, killing the farmers and the CPG personnel who had been stationed to protect them. Several villagers were also abducted during the attack, though the exact number is still unknown.
“This afternoon, bandits attacked farmers in Jangebe, Talata Mafara LGA, Zamfara State, killing nine people including five CPG members and their commander, Garba Dogo. Several others were taken away,” a source in the community said.
Zamfara has remained one of the states most affected by ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West, with frequent cases of kidnapping, killings, and attacks on rural communities by armed groups. Despite government efforts, residents say they continue to live in fear, especially during the farming season.
Authorities are yet to officially confirm the number of casualties, but security forces have reportedly launched a search operation in the area.
Community leaders and residents are calling on both state and federal governments to act swiftly and provide better protection for farming communities.