In yet another heartbreaking reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, a group of heavily armed bandits launched a vicious attack on farmers outside Jangebe village in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing nine people and abducting dozens more.
A Midday Massacre
According to local sources and government officials, the attack occurred in broad daylight on Friday, July 18, 2025. The farmers were tending to their fields when the bandits, riding on motorcycles and wielding sophisticated weapons, descended upon them with ruthless precision.
Among the victims were Garba Dogo, commander of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (ZCPG), and five of his men. Three other civilians were also killed in the ambush, bringing the death toll to nine. Residents say the attackers were well-coordinated, targeting both farms and homes during the raid.
“They attacked for nearly two hours. It was like a war zone. Nobody could stop them,” said a distraught resident, Bello Ahmadu.
Abductions & Fear Gripping the Community
The attackers didn’t just kill—they abducted. Initial reports confirmed that at least 15 farmers were kidnapped. However, some eyewitnesses and local lawmakers fear the number could be much higher, possibly over 100 people, including women and children. The bandits reportedly went from house to house, dragging people out of their homes.
Yahaya Yari Abubakar, a district administrator, confirmed the attack and the abductions while attending the funeral of the victims. He noted that families of the kidnapped have yet to hear from the abductors, and anxiety is spreading fast.
“Everybody is now afraid of going to the farm for fear of being attacked,” said another resident.
A Pattern of Violence
This latest assault is part of a troubling trend. Zamfara, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has been plagued by banditry, kidnappings, and rural terror for years. The bandits often operate from forest hideouts and move freely between states like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger. Their attacks have grown more frequent and deadly, posing a significant challenge to both local and federal authorities.
Just last month, local vigilantes reportedly killed over 100 bandits in a raid on a notorious hideout in the Shinkafi area. Despite these victories, the violence continues, leaving villagers with little faith in long-term solutions.
Government Response
While security forces and community guards have launched search-and-rescue operations, there are growing calls for more robust action.
The incident also reignites the debate on how best to protect rural communities. Many are demanding more support for vigilante groups, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased military presence in vulnerable areas.
A Community in Mourning and Disarray
Beyond the loss of lives and kidnappings, the ripple effects are immense. Farming—already threatened by climate and economic challenges—has now become a deadly occupation. Families are fleeing, fields are being abandoned, and fear hangs heavy in the air.
The people of Jangebe, once resilient and proud, are now mourning their dead and praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
The tragedy in Zamfara is not just a regional issue—it is a national crisis. Every Nigerian deserves to feel safe, especially those who feed the nation through their hard work on the farms.
It’s time for urgent, united, and strategic action to bring an end to the reign of terror in our rural communities. Lives are being lost, dreams shattered, and families torn apart.
Let us hope the voices of the grieving in Jangebe are heard—loud and clear—across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates on security, politics, and social issues affecting Nigerians today. Don’t forget to share this story to raise awareness.
