Tragedy has struck Zamfara State as bandits reportedly killed a local councilor and a senior government official over alleged ties to a rival terrorist group.
The victims, identified as Habibu Jangebe, a councilor representing Jangebe Ward, and Alhaji Jamilu Sani, Director of Planning for Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, were allegedly murdered after being accused of facilitating payments to the Lakurawa terrorist group.
According to a local source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, the two officials were reportedly involved in delivering monthly payments to the Lakurawa group as part of an arrangement aimed at preventing attacks on communities within the area.
The source claimed that the bandits, who were excluded from the alleged financial arrangement, abducted the officials about ten days before killing them in retaliation.
“There has been an ongoing arrangement where funds are allegedly given to the Lakurawa group, but not to the bandits operating in the area.
This angered the bandits, leading to the abduction and eventual killing of the two officials,” the source disclosed.
The victims were said to have been abducted on May 18, 2026, while traveling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters in preparation for the recent pilgrimage exercise.
Related News:
Army Eliminates Terrorist, Dismantles Camps in Zamfara
Bandit Leaders Killed In Zamfara Operation, Rival Gang Clash Claims Two In Katsina
Zamfara Guards Intercept Driver With 98 Explosives
Bandits Kill Teacher After Collecting Ransom in Zamfara
Six Youths Die in Zamfara Crash Ahead of Sallah
Further reports indicate that the bandits have also threatened to target the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, over the alleged exclusion from what they described as a “welfare package.”
Reacting to the incident, Chairman Yari described the killings as tragic and strongly denied any claims that the local government was funding or negotiating with terrorist groups.
“These allegations are completely baseless. We do not, and will never, support or fund any terrorist group, whether bandits or Lakurawa,” he stated.
Yari clarified that the only group receiving support from the local government is the Civilian Joint Task Force from Borno State, which is assisting security agencies in combating banditry in the region.
“We are committed to eradicating insecurity, not enabling it. Security agencies, including the DSS, are aware of our efforts and are working tirelessly to restore peace,” he added.
He further warned that individuals spreading false information about the local government’s involvement with terrorist groups could be acting as informants for bandits and would be investigated accordingly.
The incident highlights the deepening security crisis in Zamfara State, where rival armed groups continue to operate, often targeting both civilians and government officials.
About the Author
