February 10, 2026 | News | SUNTV Global
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed a senior local government official and abducted several residents, including members of his family, during a late-night attack on Moriki community in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
SUNTV Global gathered that the heavily armed assailants invaded Moriki town on Monday night in large numbers, shooting sporadically into the air and triggering widespread panic among residents, many of whom fled their homes in fear.
During the invasion, Lauwali Musa Moriki, the Health Educator of Zurmi Local Government Area, was shot dead at his residence. Sources told SUNTV Global that the attackers specifically targeted his home and went on to abduct members of his family.
A local source, identified as Bakatsine, confirmed the killing and abductions, describing the incident as “a devastating blow” to the community.
The latest attack has plunged Moriki town into mourning and renewed fears over the deteriorating security situation in Zurmi LGA and other parts of Zamfara State, which has long remained a hotspot for banditry, mass kidnappings, and violent killings.
Residents accused security agencies of failing to act despite repeated warnings and distress calls made before and during the attack, lamenting what they described as a persistent lack of adequate security presence in the area.
Moriki, like many rural communities across Zamfara, has suffered repeated assaults by armed groups who take advantage of the difficult terrain and weak security coverage to operate with little resistance.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted persons could not be independently confirmed, while tension continues to grip the community.
