Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Armed bandits have reportedly killed a local councillor and a senior local government official in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State over allegations that they were involved in monthly payments to members of the Lakurawa terrorist group operating in parts of north-western Nigeria. The killings have heightened concerns about the growing complexity of security challenges in the region and allegations of informal arrangements between communities and armed groups.
The victims were identified as Habibu Jangebe, a councillor representing Jangebe Ward, and Alhaji Jamilu Sani, the Director of Planning for Talata Mafara Local Government Area. According to local sources, the two officials were abducted by bandits and later killed after being accused of facilitating payments allegedly made to the Lakurawa group.
Residents familiar with developments in the area told reporters that the victims were allegedly used by the local government to deliver funds to Lakurawa militants as part of efforts aimed at preventing attacks on communities within the local government. According to the claims, the arrangement allegedly involved periodic payments to the group, while rival bandit factions operating in the area were excluded.
“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,” a local source said while speaking anonymously due to security concerns. The source claimed that the bandits became angered by the alleged arrangement and decided to target the officials.
According to reports, the two officials were abducted on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to the Talata Mafara local government headquarters as preparations were ongoing for the final stages of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage exercise. Their bodies were later discovered after days in captivity.
The same source alleged that the attackers viewed the payments as preferential treatment toward the Lakurawa group and reportedly threatened additional government officials. Claims also emerged that bandits had issued warnings to the Chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Yahaya Yari, accusing the council of favouring one armed group over another.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, May 29, 2026, Yahaya Yari described the killings as tragic and strongly rejected allegations that the local government was funding or negotiating with Lakurawa militants. He insisted that neither the council nor the Zamfara State Government had any arrangement with terrorist groups.
“The claims are baseless and unfounded. My local government will never give money to either bandits or Lakurawa terrorists,” Yari said. He stressed that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal had maintained a firm policy against negotiating with terrorists and criminal groups.
Yari explained that the only security-related support provided by the local government was assistance given to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Borno State who were working alongside security agencies in anti-banditry operations. According to him, security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), were aware of the arrangement.
“We have people from Borno State who are in the local government to assist in the fight against banditry. They are the people we support, not Lakurawa terrorists as being claimed by mischief makers,” the chairman stated. He further accused those spreading the allegations of acting as informants for criminal groups seeking to undermine ongoing security efforts.
The Lakurawa group has become a growing security concern across parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and neighbouring states. Security agencies have linked the group to a series of attacks on communities, security formations and government facilities. In recent weeks, suspected Lakurawa militants were blamed for attacks that killed customs officers in Kebbi State and clashes with military personnel in Sokoto State.
The killing of the two Zamfara officials underscores the increasingly dangerous environment faced by local government authorities in areas affected by banditry and terrorism. Security analysts note that criminal groups often target community leaders, traditional rulers and government officials whom they perceive as cooperating with rival armed factions or security agencies.
As of Friday, May 29, 2026, security agencies had not announced any arrests in connection with the killings. However, local authorities said efforts were ongoing to track those responsible and strengthen security operations across Talata Mafara and surrounding communities.
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