At least 17 farmers were killed in an attack by armed gunmen in Nigeria's northwestern Zamfara State on Friday.

Local officials and residents said the attackers stormed farmlands in Goron Namaye village in Maradun district, opening fire on farmers working in their fields.

"I received a report of the killing of 17 people in Goron Namaye community this morning," Sanusi Dosara, the political administrator of Maradun district said.

According to community leaders, five other people were injured in the attack, three of them critically.

"We buried 17 people who were killed in the attack," said village leader Abubakar Jarra, who called on authorities to strengthen security in farming communities.

Residents said the assailants arrived on motorcycles and disguised themselves as visitors before drawing weapons and attacking the farmers.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, but locals suggested it may have been retaliation for the killing of 13 suspected bandits by vigilante groups during an earlier raid on the village.

Zamfara is one of several states in northwestern Nigeria affected by armed gangs commonly referred to as bandits. The groups are known for carrying out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling and attacks on rural communities.

The latest incident comes amid growing fears that insecurity could disrupt agricultural production during the rainy season. Many farmers across northern Nigeria have reportedly abandoned their fields due to repeated attacks and extortion by armed groups.

Earlier this week, 39 community elders from another village in Maradun district were reportedly abducted while attempting to negotiate a peace agreement with a local gang leader to allow residents access to their farmlands.