KEY POINTS

• Suspected bandits attacked farmers in Layin Danauta village, Kaduna State, killing several people and abducting nearly 20 others.

• Six bodies had been recovered by Monday night, while search efforts continued amid fears that the death toll could increase.

• The attack came days after residents protested rising insecurity and repeated kidnappings in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

Suspected bandits believed by residents to be among previously “repentant” armed groups have launched a deadly attack on farmers in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing several people and abducting nearly 20 others.

The attack, which occurred on Monday morning in Layin Danauta village, has heightened fears among residents and renewed concerns over the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts aimed at former bandits operating in the area.

According to local sources, the attackers invaded farmlands located north of Layin Danauta village at about 11 a.m., opening fire on farmers who were carrying out their daily activities.

Witnesses described the assault as a guerrilla-style operation, with the armed men arriving unexpectedly and attacking victims before residents could organize any form of resistance.

The attack caused panic across nearby communities as farmers fled for safety while others were trapped by the assailants.

Nearly 20 Persons Abducted

Community sources disclosed that about 22 people, including seven women and approximately 15 men, were taken away by the attackers.

Although the figures remain preliminary, residents said the abductees were seized from farmlands and surrounding areas during the raid.

Families of the victims have since been left in distress as efforts continue to determine the exact number of people kidnapped during the incident.

Search-and-rescue operations involving local volunteers and residents continued late into the night following the attack.

As of Monday night, six bodies had reportedly been recovered from the scene, while several injured victims were receiving assistance.

Community members fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for missing persons and assessing the full extent of the attack.

Authorities have yet to officially confirm the number of people killed, injured, or abducted.

The latest attack comes just days after residents of Birnin Gwari staged a protest over worsening insecurity in the area.

The demonstration was triggered by the killing of Ibrahim Adamu, a commercial driver reportedly murdered by bandits along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road.

Adamu was said to be a grandson of a traditional ruler within the Birnin Gwari Emirate, and his death sparked widespread anger among residents.

The protest also followed reports of kidnappings targeting farmers in villages across the local government area.