By Mary Izuaka

 

At least 17 farmers were killed, and 13 others injured on Friday, June 12, after bandits attacked farmlands in Goron Namaye, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Amnesty International Nigeria has said.

Amnesty, in a statement posted on its X handle on Saturday, said the bandits invaded slaughtered the farmers one by one.

“On Friday 12 June 2026, bandits invaded farmlands at Goron Namaye in Maradun local government area, killing 17 farmers by slaughtering them one by one, while injuring at least 13 others.

“As the rainy season sets in, farming in Zamfara State is now a matter of life and death,” Amnesty said.

The group said the Nigerian authorities must do more to end the incessant atrocities committed by bandits and other armed groups — almost daily.

“The authorities’ lethargy has allowed impunity to flourish and the killings to spread to many parts of the country, inflicting greater suffering on communities who already live in constant fear of the next attack.

“The Nigerian government has also displayed what can only be described as gross incompetence and has failed in its duty to protect the lives of its population and end the intensifying attacks and abductions,” the group said.

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Over the years, the northern parts of Nigeria have been epicentres of banditry. Armed groups routinely raid villages, kill residents, rustle cattle, and carry out mass kidnappings for ransom.

In April, Amnesty said at least 1,100 people were abducted across northern Nigeria between January and April 2026, warning that the scale and pattern of the attacks reflect a deepening security crisis and a failure of authorities to protect vulnerable communities.

The group said the attacks often go beyond abductions, with gunmen killing residents, looting property and burning homes.

It added that families are frequently forced to sell their belongings or rely on community fundraising to secure the release of loved ones, while those unable to pay face execution or prolonged torture.