Gunmen suspected to be Lakurawa insurgents have killed the village head of Sayinna in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers invaded the community around 1:30 am on Thursday, shooting indiscriminately before killing the traditional ruler, Malam Murtala Sa’adu, and his neighbour. Both men were reportedly members of local vigilante groups resisting armed banditry in the area.

Security sources said troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA arrived shortly after the attack, evacuated the bodies to a hospital, and began patrols to prevent further assaults.

Residents believe the killings were retaliation for the victims’ support of vigilante activities, which the Lakurawa insurgents have repeatedly banned in communities under their control.

Confirming the incident, Special Adviser to the Tangaza Local Council Chairman, Alhaji Garzali Raccah, described Malam Sa’adu as “a committed and hardworking leader who stood firm for peace and stability in his domain.”

The attack is the latest in a wave of violent raids by Lakurawa gunmen across Sokoto State.