Suspected bandits attacked farmlands in Sauna District, Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Zamfara State, killing at least 23 farmers.

On Thursday, local sources said that seven more remains were found in the surrounding bushes, increasing the death toll from the original 16.

According to locals, the attackers arrived on motorbikes and started shooting at nearby farmers while the victims were working on their crops on Thursday morning.

“Many others are still reported missing. The attackers came in groups and shot at farmers without warning,” a community source said.

The remains of the 23 victims were later buried in a mass burial at the palace of the District Head of Sauna on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Sauna District and other parts of Talata Mafara Local Government Area have witnessed repeated attacks on farming communities, with residents frequently targeted while carrying out agricultural activities.

Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas to protect farmers during farming seasons.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Divisional Police Officer in Talata Mafara had reported the killing of 23 farmers in Sauna District.

Yazid said the command had deployed additional personnel to the area and was working to track down the attackers.

Source