Bandits have killed 41 farmers in Tofa and Samawa villages in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The bandits reportedly invaded the area when the farmers were planting their crops and others were clearing their farms over the weekend.
A resident of the area, who spoke to newsmen said “They came suddenly and began to shoot at the farmers, killing many of them.
“The bandits also blocked the road leading to the two villages where they also killed other farmers returning to their houses.
“The total number of 41 farmers lost their lives and their mission was only to kill those who went to their farms.”
The spokesperson of the Zamfara state Police Command, Mohammed Shehu, said police operatives were not informed of the attack until after the bandits finished their onslaught in the community.
He said, “Combined Police Tactical operatives were not alerted until after they (bandits) might have finished their onslaught on Tofa community. We have yet to be ascertained the number of villagers that were killed.
“However, as the bandits left Tofa on their way to Samawa village for similar attack, the Police Tactical operatives stationed at Samawa village were quickly alerted where they mobilized and engaged the assailants in a serious gun battle that lasted for hours.
“As a result of the encounter, unspecified number of bandits was fatally injured (killed), while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds. No loss of life from the community in Samawa, but regrettably, a police operative paid the supreme price during the gun battle with the bandits.”