Bandits in Zamfara State have killed a councilor, representing Jangebe Ward, Habibu Jangebe, and the Director of Planning of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Alhaji Jamilu Sani, over alleged alignment with Lakurawa terrorists.
The two officials of Talata-Mafara Local Government Area were reportedly murdered by bandits for allegedly paying Lakurawa group on a monthly basis.
An indigene of the local government, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity for security reasons, identified the victims.
The two officials were allegedly used by the local government to deliver money to Lakurawa terrorists as part of an arrangement to prevent attacks on communities in the area.
He said, “A certain amount of money is allegedly given to the Lakurawa terrorists on a monthly basis by the Talata-Mafara Local Government, but such gestures are not extended to the bandits operating in the area.
“As a result, the bandits abducted the two officials 10 days ago and later killed them to express their anger.”
The source further claimed that the bandits had threatened to kill the chairman of the local government, Yahaya Yari, for allegedly excluding them from the “welfare package” being enjoyed by the Lakurawa group.
The victims were reportedly abducted on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters to prepare for the last pilgrimage exercise.
Reacting to the incident, Yari, described the killing of the two officials as tragic and unfortunate.
However, he dismissed allegations that the victims were killed because the council was favouring Lakurawa terrorists
