BANDITS KILL ZAMFARA COUNCILLOR, LG OFFICIAL OVER ALLEGED LINKS TO LAKURAWA GROUP
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Bandits in Zamfara State have killed a councillor representing Jangebe Ward in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, Habibu Jangebe, alongside the council’s Director of Planning, Alhaji Jamilu Sani, over alleged alignment with the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The victims, both officials of the local government, were reportedly murdered after being abducted about 10 days earlier.
An indigene of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the officials were allegedly accused by the bandits of facilitating monthly payments to the Lakurawa group as part of an arrangement to prevent attacks on communities in the area.
According to the source, the two officials were abducted on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters in preparation for pilgrimage-related activities.
He alleged that the arrangement involved monthly payments to the Lakurawa group, which angered rival bandits who reportedly kidnapped and later killed the victims.
“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,” the source said.
He added that the attackers later killed the officials to express their anger over the alleged exclusion.
However, the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the council does not engage in any form of negotiation or payment to terrorist groups.
Yari described the claims as false and baseless, saying both bandits and Lakurawa elements are considered terrorists and the council maintains no financial dealings with either group.
“My local government will never give money to either of them,” he said, adding that only members of the Civilian Joint Task Force assisting security agencies are supported.
He also stated that security agencies, including the Department of State Services, are aware of ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the area.
Yari further accused those spreading the allegations of acting as informants for criminal groups, warning that the government would take action against anyone found spreading false information.
He expressed condolences over the killings, describing them as tragic and unfortunate, while reaffirming the council’s commitment to working with security agencies to address insecurity in the area.
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