The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has condemned the killing of 23 farmers by suspected armed bandits in Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, describing the attack as a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity facing rural communities in Northern Nigeria.
The group called on the Federal Government and security agencies to launch decisive operations against banditry and strengthen the protection of farming communities to avert further attacks and safeguard the country’s food security.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Sauna District and the Zamfara State Government over what it described as an “unacceptable loss of innocent lives.”
According to the group, the victims were reportedly attacked and killed while cultivating their farmlands, underscoring the growing threat posed by armed criminal groups to rural communities.
Charanchi said: “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific massacre of innocent farmers in Sauna District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. This follows reports that no fewer than 23 farmers were murdered in cold blood by armed bandits while cultivating their farmlands.
“The CNG extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Sauna District, the government and people of Zamfara State over this tragic and unacceptable loss of lives. We pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and for the speedy recovery of those who may have sustained injuries during the attack.
“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were ordinary farmers engaged in lawful economic activities to feed their families and contribute to Nigeria’s food security. That armed criminals could invade farmlands in broad daylight, open fire indiscriminately and escape without immediate consequence is a grave indictment of our security architecture.
“The timing of this attack makes it even more alarming. The rainy season is the most critical period in our subsistence agricultural system. Farmers across the North are expected to be on their farms cultivating crops that will sustain millions of Nigerians.
“Unfortunately, fear has increasingly replaced hope as farming communities now face the impossible choice between cultivating their land and risking death at the hands of armed criminals.
“If farmers are prevented from accessing their farms because of insecurity, the consequences will reecho across the country. Nigeria risks reduced agricultural output, worsening food shortages, higher food inflation, rural displacement and deeper economic hardship. National food security cannot be achieved where farmers are left unprotected.”
He calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to immediately intensify coordinated military and intelligence operations across Zamfara and other frontline states affected by banditry.
The CNG also appealed to the Zamfara State Government to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, traditional rulers and local communities to improve intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
Charanchi added, “Beyond reactive deployments, the government must establish a sustained security presence around vulnerable farming communities, major farming corridors and rural access roads throughout this farming season. Farmers deserve to cultivate their lands under the protection of the state, not at the mercy of criminal gangs.
“The Government should also provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected families and communities while ensuring that survivors receive adequate medical, psychological and economic support.
“We further call for the immediate apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous crime. Nigerians are increasingly losing confidence because perpetrators of such atrocities are rarely brought to justice. Ending impunity remains one of the strongest deterrents against future attacks.
“The CNG reiterates that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of government. Every farmer killed is not just a human tragedy but also a direct attack on the economy, food security and national stability.
“This is not the time for routine condemnations or official sympathies. It is time for decisive, intelligence-driven and sustained security operations that restore confidence to rural communities and guarantee that every Nigerian can live and work without fear. The blood of innocent farmers must not continue to water the fields that should be feeding our nation.”