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

Preliminary reports indicated that an altercation broke out between the deceased and the suspect before the shooting occurred.

The sources said the victim sustained fatal gunshot injuries and died at the scene.

His remains were subsequently evacuated to Birnin Gwari for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security agencies have commenced investigations into the incident, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect.

The killing has heightened concerns over the activities of armed criminal groups and the proliferation of illegal mining operations in parts of Birnin Gwari, an area that has witnessed persistent security challenges in recent years. (Zagazola)