Bandits K!ll Motorist, ∆bduct Two LG Officials, !njure Hajj Officer In Daylight Att∆ck
Bandits Kill Motorist, Abduct Two LG Officials, Injure Hajj Officer In Daylight Attack
SaharaReporters gathered that the attackers specifically targeted a vehicle conveying local government officials before whisking away two victims into the bush.
Bandits have killed a driver, abducted two local government officials and injured another person during a deadly attack along Tashar Lawali Road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack occurred at about 11:20 a.m. on May 18, 2026, when heavily armed assailants suspected to be bandits reportedly blocked the road near Jangebe District and opened fire on motorists and commuters passing through the area.
SaharaReporters gathered that the attackers specifically targeted a vehicle conveying local government officials before whisking away two victims into the bush.
Among those abducted were Jamilu Sani, identified as the Director of Planning in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, and Muslimu Habibu, a councillor representing Jangebe Ward.
During the assault, Samaila Ladan, a registration officer attached to the Hajj Affairs Unit of the local government council, sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand.
The vehicle driver, identified as Lawali Hakimi, was reportedly shot dead on the spot by the attackers.
A security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that following a distress call, combined teams of the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel and members of the Community Protection Guards (CPG) were mobilised to the scene.
Security operatives were said to have rescued the injured Hajj officer and evacuated him to a medical facility for treatment.
Zagazola further revealed that security forces had launched combing operations across nearby forests and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the abducted officials and track down the attackers.
Authorities also confirmed that patrol activities had been intensified around Talata Mafara and adjoining areas to prevent further attacks and reassure residents following the latest incident.
The attack adds to the growing wave of insecurity and recurring banditry attacks across Zamfara State, where residents continue to face kidnappings, killings and ambushes despite ongoing military operations in the North-West region.
