Armed bandits have reportedly killed the Director of Planning in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Jamilu Sani, alongside the councillor representing Jangebe Ward, following an attack along the Jangebe–Talata Mafara road in Zamfara State.

According to reports, the victims were abducted on May 18, 2026, while travelling from Jangebe community to the Talata Mafara Local Government headquarters.

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The Chairman of Talata Mafara Local Government Area, Yahaya Yari, confirmed the incident and described the killings as tragic and deeply disturbing.

According to him, several attempts were made to secure the release of the abducted officials, but the attackers allegedly refused to negotiate for ransom.

Yari stated that the bandits reportedly declared that anyone abducted from Jangebe community would be killed rather than released after payment.

The victims were said to have been travelling alongside the Area Revenue Officer for Pilgrims Affairs to make arrangements connected to the pilgrimage exercise when the attack occurred.

A resident of Jangebe who reportedly spoke anonymously said five people were travelling inside the vehicle when the attackers intercepted them at a notorious flashpoint along the road.

According to the source, the village head was allegedly killed immediately after resisting attempts by the attackers to abduct him.

The Area Revenue Officer was also reportedly shot in the hand and left behind after the attackers assumed he had died from the injuries.

The source added that two other occupants of the vehicle escaped into nearby bushes during the ambush.

Residents of Jangebe and surrounding communities have expressed renewed fear over worsening insecurity in the area.

Locals say movement along roads linking Jangebe to Talata Mafara and neighbouring communities has become increasingly dangerous because of repeated attacks by armed groups.

One resident lamented that travellers are often left vulnerable once they move a few kilometres outside the town.

The resident also warned that even routes previously considered relatively safer are becoming increasingly risky due to expanding bandit activities.

The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the attack.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns about persistent banditry and violent attacks across parts of Zamfara State, where communities continue to face kidnappings, killings, and attacks on major roads.

Residents and local stakeholders are calling on security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to intensify patrols, strengthen security presence, and restore confidence among communities affected by banditry.

Observers say the repeated attacks on travellers and local officials highlight the urgent need for improved security coordination and stronger protection for rural communities across the state.

The incident has once again drawn national attention to the ongoing security challenges confronting several parts of northern Nigeria.