Bandits have attacked Ghandi community in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing no fewer than eight farmers and leaving at least five others with gunshot injuries.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, sent residents into panic as the assailants reportedly stormed the community around 3:00 p.

The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

Rufai said the command was aware of the attack, adding that details of the incident were being gathered.

According to him,” Yes, we are aware of the attack, 8 farmers were killed while another five were injured. We will make it public once we are done with the information being gathered on it,” Rafai added

A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bandits opened fire on farmers in the community.

According to the source, “The bandits came around 3:00 p.m. and started shooting at people. No fewer than eight farmers were killed, while at least five others sustained gunshot injuries. ”The source alleged that the attack was carried out in retaliation for the killing of some members of the bandit group by security agencies during recent operations in the area.

He said, “We believe this was a retaliatory attack because some members of the group were killed by security personnel in the last few days.”

The latest attack has heightened concerns among residents of Ghandi and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who have continued to face threats from armed groups operating in parts of the state.(PUNCH)

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the party is handling the grievances of the aggrieved governorship candidates in Oyo State as a family matter.

Yilwatda stated this on Wednesday in Ibadan during a meeting with party stakeholders, noting that disagreements among members are normal in politics.

He affirmed that members have expressed readiness to work together to ensure victory in 2027, emphasising that the reconciliation process is an ongoing effort rather than a one-day affair.

He stressed that the national leadership remains committed to bringing all aggrieved members on board ahead of the next general elections.

Addressing the recent Osun State governorship election, Yilwatda insisted the outcome was not a failure for the APC.

He noted that despite the state government deploying its full machinery, the APC put up a strong fight and conducted itself with maturity.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the election and eventual commendation from the opposition demonstrated the party’s high level of sportsmanship.

He added that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, acknowledged this sportsmanship and even declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

When asked if the APC had officially accepted the Osun election outcome, Yilwatda explained that no official position has been taken yet, as any final decision requires a formal review involving the National Working Committee and the candidate.

The Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Committee in Oyo State, Senator Olufemi Lanleyin, emphasised that the party must go into the 2027 elections united in order to reclaim power in the state.

Lanleyin acknowledged that while some members were disappointed with the primary outcomes, the party retains the strength, will, and capacity to unite.

He said that the committee is meeting with aggrieved aspirants to present their grievances to the national leadership for resolution.

On the lesson from Osun, Lanleyin noted that unity determines electoral success, promising that the committee will continue its work until Election Day.

He expressed absolute confidence that the APC will sweep Oyo State in 2027, winning the presidency, governorship, three senatorial seats, 14 federal constituencies, and 32 House of Assembly seats.

He appealed to leaders and stakeholders to embrace unity because members do not want to remain out of government for another day.

He added that the party would not take anything for granted and would continue the reconciliation process until Election Day.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to dial 112 during emergencies requiring urgent medical assistance, while releasing state emergency call centre numbers.

The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), in an update on Wednesday, said 112 serves as a central contact for emergency medical assistance.

It said several states also had dedicated emergency call centre numbers to support faster responses to medical emergencies.

According to NEMSAS, the emergency response system provides fast response, professional care and life-saving services, with first responders available 24 hours daily.

The agency released emergency call centre numbers covering 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with most states using 112 alongside dedicated numbers.

For Abia, the listed emergency numbers are 112 and 08000000800, while Adamawa residents can call 112, 1755 or 07011111443.

Akwa Ibom residents can call 112, 08000022322 or 08000022422, while Anambra residents can use 112, 5111, 0800 220 0008 or 112.

For Bauchi, the listed numbers are 112 and 07038636433, while Bayelsa residents can call 112 or 0800 220 0223.

NEMSAS listed Benue’s emergency call centre as “Not Operational,” while Borno residents can call 112 or 08000000033.

Cross River has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Delta residents can call 112, 07041008130 or 07041008131.

For Ebonyi, the listed numbers are 112, 08086446891 and 08086445736, while Edo residents can call 112, 739 or 09037999871.

Ekiti residents can call 112, 08000606606, 08111111-22, -33, -44 or -55, while Enugu residents can use 112, 09074996090 or 07066466429.

Gombe residents can call 112 or 07033825646, while NEMSAS listed Imo’s emergency call centre as “Not Operational.”

Jigawa has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Kaduna residents can call 112 or 08064111599.

For Kano, the listed numbers are 112, 09019999920 and 09049999914, while Katsina and Kebbi each have 112 listed.

Kogi also has 112 as its listed emergency number, while Kwara residents can call 112, 09062010001 or 09062010002.

Lagos residents can call 112 or 767, while Nasarawa residents can use 112 or 08144911269 for emergency assistance.

For Niger, the listed numbers are 112, 0802 242 2953 and 0815 557 7513, while Osun residents can call 112, 08111110532 or 08111110561.

Ogun residents can call 112 or 08112000033, while Ondo residents can use 112 or 08055300300.

For Oyo, the listed emergency numbers are 112 and 615, while Plateau residents can call 112 or 09136982496.

Rivers residents can call 112, 09040222281, 09040222283 or 09040222285, while Sokoto residents can use 112, 07045963318 or 07071765080.

For Taraba, the listed numbers are 112, 07041122777 and 07041100777, while Yobe residents can call 112, 09169981792 or 08000090009.

Zamfara has 112 as its listed emergency number, while residents of the FCT can call 112, 09157892931 or 09157892932.

NEMSAS advised members of the public to save the emergency numbers and use them whenever urgent medical assistance was required.

The agency said its first responders were ready to provide quick response and professional care to help save lives during emergencies.

It urged Nigerians to dial 112 during emergencies, describing the service as available 24 hours daily, seven days weekly.