A senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Zamfara State, Alhaji Umar Moriki, was killed on Saturday morning by gunmen suspected to be bandits. The attack occurred along the troubled Gusau–Tsafe highway, near Fegi village in Tsafe Local Government Area, while he was travelling from Gusau to Kaduna.
The highway has long been a hotspot for armed attacks, raising renewed concerns about safety in the region.
APC Leadership Confirms “Devastating Loss”
The Zamfara APC leadership, headed by Chairman Tukur Danfulani, confirmed the tragic incident. In a condolence statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the APC described Moriki’s death as a “devastating loss” to the party, the state, and the communities he served.
According to the party, Moriki had just participated in a high-level stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, shortly before he was ambushed.
A Career Devoted to Public Service
Alhaji Umar Moriki was a seasoned public servant with decades of involvement in grassroots politics and community development. His past roles included:
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Vice Chairman, Zurmi Local Government Area
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Director-General of a state agency
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Special Adviser on Rural Electrification
He also contested the Zurmi/Shinkafi House of Representatives seat in the 2023 elections, further cementing his influence within the APC and his constituency.
Personal Life and Legacy
Moriki died at the age of 62. He is survived by three wives and several children. Known for his loyalty and unwavering dedication to the APC, he was regarded as a community leader who consistently championed the welfare of the people.
The party praised his contributions, noting that he worked tirelessly to strengthen the APC’s presence at the grassroots and played vital roles in various developmental initiatives.
Growing Concerns Over Insecurity
His death underscores the escalating insecurity in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and highway ambushes continue to claim lives. The incident has intensified calls for more robust and coordinated security measures to protect citizens and restore peace to the region.
