Bandits operating in Zamfara State have reportedly killed two senior local government officials in Talata-Mafara over allegations that they were linked to payments made to Lakurawa terrorists.
The victims were identified as Habibu Jangebe, councillor representing Jangebe Ward, and Alhaji Jamilu Sani, the Director of Planning in the local government council.
Sources told newsmen that the officials were abducted earlier and later killed after being accused of facilitating or benefiting from monthly payments allegedly made to the Lakurawa group as part of an arrangement aimed at preventing attacks on communities.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, claimed that the council allegedly channels funds to Lakurawa militants, but not to other armed groups operating in the region, a development said to have angered rival bandits.
According to the source, the victims were seized on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters in preparation for a pilgrimage-related assignment. They were held for about 10 days before being killed.
The source further alleged that the attackers had issued threats against the local government chairman, Yahaya Yari, accusing him of excluding them from what they described as a “welfare arrangement” allegedly enjoyed by the Lakurawa faction.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman Yahaya Yari described the killings as tragic and deeply unfortunate but dismissed claims that the council had any form of arrangement or financial dealings with terrorist groups.
He maintained that the allegations were false, insisting that neither Lakurawa nor any other bandit group was being paid by the local government.
Yari explained that the only external support the council is aware of involves members of the Civilian Joint Task Force from Borno State, who are assisting security agencies in combating banditry in the area.
He stressed that security agencies, including the DSS, are aware of the arrangement and reiterated that both Lakurawa and other armed groups are regarded as terrorists.
The chairman also accused those spreading the claims of being informants working for bandits, warning that such individuals could face arrest if identified.