Some Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected bandits after attending a prayer gathering for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.
The clerics were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while returning to their communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas.
According to SaharaReporters, the victims were intercepted along the road after leaving the prayer gathering held at the residence of Yari, a former Zamfara governor and campaign director-general for President Tinubu.
Early local reports identified five of the abducted clerics, including Imam Yahuza, the First Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, the Second Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
However, subsequent police statements reportedly placed the total number of abducted imams at six.
The Nigerian Army, through officials of its 8 Division, clarified that the clerics were not kidnapped inside Senator Yari’s residence or directly at the premises. The military said the victims were abducted while travelling along the road in the Bakura area.
Following the incident, troops and local security personnel launched rescue operations to locate and secure the release of the abducted clerics. The abduction has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where communities continue to face threats from bandit attacks and kidnappings.
Authorities are yet to provide further details on the whereabouts of the victims or confirm whether any of the abducted clerics have been rescued.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
