The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has condemned the killing of at least 23 farmers by suspected armed bandits in Sauna Ruwan Gora Ward of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, describing the attack as a tragic reflection of the country’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., the organisation said the attack, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, July 21, saw gunmen open fire at close range on farmers working on their farmlands, leaving at least 23 people dead while several others sustained life-threatening injuries.
CEFSAN described the massacre as further evidence that existing security measures in Zamfara State have failed to provide adequate protection for vulnerable communities, particularly those in rural areas where farmers remain frequent targets of armed criminal groups.
According to the CEFSAN, the attack occurred in a community located about 16 kilometres from Talata Mafara, underscoring the growing insecurity across the state and raising concerns that no area can currently be considered safe.
The rights group expressed concern that despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government, military deployments, and several security operations, violent attacks have continued across Zamfara and other parts of the country.
It argued that the persistent loss of innocent lives demonstrates the urgent need for a more effective, intelligence-driven and coordinated national security strategy.
CEFSAN further accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to fulfil its constitutional obligation to protect the lives and property of Nigerians, citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
The organisation also expressed concern over what it described as a growing public perception that political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections are receiving greater attention than efforts to address insecurity affecting states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, Niger and Kaduna.
It said the continued bloodshed has weakened public confidence in the government’s security approach, stressing that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by repeated assurances and security operations that have failed to produce lasting peace.
CEFSAN called on the Federal Government to adopt a more decisive strategy anchored on improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, greater accountability within the security sector and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
The organization urged President Tinubu to declare a national emergency on insecurity in Zamfara State and other severely affected parts of the country, while calling for urgent and transparent measures to secure vulnerable communities, protect farmlands and restore public confidence.
It also appealed to security agencies to investigate the attack thoroughly, identify and sanction officers responsible for operational lapses where necessary, and ensure justice for the victims.
The group further called on the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight of security institutions to enhance accountability, while urging civil society organisations, the media, religious and traditional leaders, as well as the international community, to pay closer attention to the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Zamfara and other affected states.
CEFSAN expressed solidarity with the families of those killed, the injured victims and residents of Zamfara State, insisting that urgent action must be taken to prevent further loss of lives.
“The security and welfare of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government, as provided by the Constitution,” the statement added.
