A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State, Umar Moriki, has been reportedly killed by gunmen suspected to be armed bandits.

As reported by Channels TV, the incident occurred on Saturday morning along the Gusau–Tsafe highway near Fegi village in Tsafe Local Government Area, while Moriki was travelling from Gusau to Kaduna.

The state chapter of the APC, led by Tukur Danfulani, confirmed the death, calling it “a tragic loss for both the party and the state.”

According to a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, the late APC stalwart had just participated in the party’s stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Moriki held several prominent political roles during his career, including Vice Chairman of Zurmi Local Government Area, Director-General of a state agency, and Special Adviser on Rural Electrification. He also contested for the Zurmi/Shinkafi House of Representatives seat in the 2023 elections.

He died at the age of 62 and is survived by three wives and several children.

The Zamfara APC described him as “a committed party leader and community advocate who dedicated his life to public service and humanitarian work.”

PUNCH Online reported a month ago that a similar incident occurred, whereby five policemen and three Community Protection Guards were killed by bandits in Zamfara State.

An indigene of the area, Yau Musa, told The PUNCH that the victims were on patrol along the road and were ambushed by bandits.

Musa said, “The victims were approaching Gidan-Giye village, a few kilometres away from Tsafe town, the headquarters of Tsafe Local Government, when suddenly, the bandits came out of their hiding place, and opened fire on their vehicle.” (Daily Trust)