Victims reportedly targeted after accusations of channeling monthly funds to Lakurawa group; council chairman denies claims, insists no deals with terrorists.

Armed bandits in Zamfara State have killed a councillor, Habibu Jangebe, and a local government director, Alhaji Jamilu Sani, following allegations that they were involved in facilitating payments to the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The victims, both officials of Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, were reportedly abducted around May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe to the council headquarters. Sources within the community claim they were held for about 10 days before being killed.

According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, the two officials were allegedly linked to a controversial arrangement in which funds were said to be paid monthly to the Lakurawa group to prevent attacks on communities.

The source alleged that the bandits, who were not included in the purported arrangement, became angered and abducted the officials in retaliation. The killings were reportedly meant as a warning over what they perceived as selective appeasement.

There are also claims that the attackers have threatened further violence, including targeting the chairman of the local government, Yahaya Yari, over the alleged exclusion.

However, Yari has strongly denied all allegations, describing them as false and misleading. He insisted that his administration does not negotiate with or fund any terrorist group.

“We do not and will never give money to any terrorist group, whether bandits or Lakurawa,” Yari said, adding that the Zamfara State Government maintains a strict no-negotiation policy.

He clarified that the only group receiving support from the local government is a Civilian Joint Task Force from Borno State, which is assisting security agencies in combating banditry in the area.

Yari further suggested that those spreading the allegations could be working with criminal elements to create confusion and undermine ongoing security efforts.

The incident highlights the persistent insecurity in parts of Zamfara, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks, abductions, and targeted killings despite intensified military operations.