Suspected bandit kills kaduna traditional ruler at gold mining site

The District Head of Maganda in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Alhaji Hussaini Sulaiman, has reportedly been killed following a dispute at an illegal gold mining site in the community.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation Fasan Yamma responded to reports of the incident at about 2:33 p.m. on Thursday.

According to the sources, the traditional ruler was allegedly shot dead by a suspected bandit identified as Shuaibu during an altercation at the mining site in Maganda.

Preliminary findings indicate that a disagreement erupted between the deceased and the suspect before the situation escalated, leading to the fatal shooting.

The district head sustained severe gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His remains were later evacuated to Birnin Gwari, where he was buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security agencies have launched an investigation into the killing, while efforts are underway to track down and arrest the suspect.

The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of armed criminal groups and the growing prevalence of illegal mining operations in Birnin Gwari, a region that has continued to grapple with security challenges in recent years.