Bandits Execute Councilor, Planning Director Amid Allegations of Ties to Terrorists
Fresh details have emerged surrounding the killing of two Senior Local Government officials in Zamfara State, as armed bandits reportedly murdered them over allegations that they were facilitating payments to the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The victims, identified as Habibu Jangebe, the councilor representing Jangebe Ward, and Alhaji Jamilu Sani, Director of Planning for Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, were allegedly abducted and later executed by bandits operating in the troubled region.
According to information gathered by Global Mirror News, the two officials were kidnapped on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to Talata-Mafara town to make preparations for the final pilgrimage exercise.
A source from the area, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, claimed that the victims were allegedly involved in delivering monthly payments from the Local Government to members of the Lakurawa group in a bid to prevent attacks on communities within the Local Government Area.
The source alleged that while the Lakurawa group was receiving financial support, bandit groups operating in the area were excluded from the arrangement, a development said to have sparked anger among the criminals.
According to the source, the bandits held the two officials captive for about ten days before killing them as a warning and expression of their dissatisfaction.
The source further claimed that the bandits have also threatened the Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government, Yahaya Yari, accusing him of favouring the Lakurawa group while neglecting other armed groups operating within the area.
Reacting to the allegations, Yari condemned the killings, describing them as tragic, painful and unfortunate. However, he strongly denied claims that the Local Government had any arrangement with Lakurawa terrorists or any other criminal group.
The Council Chairman insisted that neither bandits nor Lakurawa members receive financial support from the Local Government, stressing that the administration remains committed to the policy of non-negotiation with terrorists.
Yari noted that the position aligns with the directive of the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal, which maintains that no Government Institutions should negotiate or strike deals with criminal elements.
He explained that the only group receiving assistance from the Local Government is the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) personnel from Borno State, who are working alongside security agencies in ongoing operations against banditry across the area.
According to him, Security Agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), are fully aware of the collaboration with the CJTF and have continued efforts to restore peace in communities affected by persistent attacks.
Yari further alleged that individuals spreading rumours linking the local government to terrorist financing may be working as informants for bandits. He vowed that anyone found disseminating false information would be investigated and made to explain the source of such claims.
The latest killings underscore the worsening security situation in parts of Zamfara State, where banditry, kidnappings and terrorist activities continue to pose significant threats to residents and Government officials despite ongoing Military and Security operations.
