A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure in Zamfara State, Alhaji Umar Moriki, has been shot dead by gunmen believed to be bandits.

The attack happened early Saturday along the Gusau–Tsafe highway, close to Fegi village in Tsafe Local Government Area, while Moriki was on his way from Gusau to Kaduna.

Confirming the incident, APC Chairman in Zamfara, Tukur Danfulani, described Moriki’s death as a heartbreaking tragedy for both the party and the state.

According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris, the late politician had just participated in a stakeholders meeting hosted by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, before the fatal journey.

Moriki died at 62,and he had held various positions in public service, including Vice Chairman of Zurmi Local Government, Director-General of a state agency, and Special Adviser on Rural Electrification.

Late Moriki also contested for the Zurmi/Shinkafi House of Representatives seat in the 2023 elections.He is survived by three wives and several children.