Zamfara terrorists kill officials after rejecting ransom, ending hopes for the safe release of two abducted local government workers

Terrorists have killed Muslim Habibu, councillor representing Jangebe Ward, and Jamilu Sani, Director of Planning at Talata Mafara Local Government Area, 10 days after abducting both officials and reportedly rejecting ransom offers made for their release.

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The victims were kidnapped on 18 May while travelling from Jangebe to Talata Mafara, where they were coordinating Hajj-related activities for intending pilgrims from the ward.

The attack occurred along the Anka–Mayanchi highway when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle carrying the two officials and an assistant revenue officer of the local government.

While the revenue officer escaped despite sustaining gunshot wounds, Muslim Habibu and Jamilu Sani were taken away by the attackers.

Chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Yahaya Yari, disclosed the development during a condolence visit to the families of the deceased on Thursday.

According to Yahaya Yari, discussions with the kidnappers began immediately after the abduction, and initial contacts suggested a willingness to negotiate.

“We began discussing ransom with them immediately after the abduction and at first, they made us believe they were serious,” Yahaya Yari said.

The chairman, however, explained that the negotiations later took an alarming turn as the kidnappers reportedly became hostile towards intermediaries involved in the discussions.

“Later, they said anyone they abducted from Jangebe, they would not collect his money because they would just kill him. The last communication we had with them confirmed that they had been killed,” he added.

With the bodies of the victims yet to be recovered, Islamic funeral prayers known as Salatul Gaib were conducted in their honour.

Local sources in Talata Mafara suggested the killings may be linked to longstanding tensions between terrorist groups and residents of Jangebe.

According to a government source familiar with security developments in the area, community leaders previously supported the strengthening of the Yan Sakai vigilante group and invited members of the Civilian Joint Task Force from north-eastern Nigeria to help confront terrorist activities.

The source claimed that several militants were killed during those operations, fuelling resentment among the armed groups and leading to threats against residents of Jangebe.

The latest killings have renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in western Zamfara, where attacks on travellers and communities remain frequent.

Major roads including the Mayanchi–Talata Mafara route, the Mayanchi–Anka–Gummi corridor and the Danbaza–Maradun road have repeatedly witnessed deadly attacks, abductions and other criminal activities despite ongoing security efforts.

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The deaths of the two officials have sent shockwaves through Talata Mafara and surrounding communities, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing local government workers and residents across parts of Zamfara State.