Amnesty International has condemned the killing of more than 20 farmers in Zamfara State, northwestern Nigeria, following a deadly attack by armed bandits.
The attack occurred on Wednesday while the victims were returning from their farms. A survivor told the BBC that the attackers, who reportedly arrived on about 100 motorcycles, surrounded the farmers before opening fire.
“They chased people, shot them, and even ran over some victims with their motorcycles. They also rustled livestock before leaving,” the witness said.
According to the survivor, the attackers came from the Jangebe area, a community that has long been associated with insecurity in Zamfara. He added that at least 20 bodies were seen at the scene.
The affected communities include Sauna, Tudun Namale, Tsangaya, Mashekari, and Unguwar Shanu.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Amnesty International said the attack claimed the lives of 24 people, while many others sustained serious injuries.
The organization criticized the government’s security strategy, saying the recurring attacks show that efforts to tackle insecurity in Zamfara are failing.
Amnesty also stated that armed groups continue to attack villages at will, often notifying residents in advance of planned attacks and demanding large ransom payments before carrying them out.
