Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who were returning from a special prayer gathering held at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and serving senator, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.
The clerics were said to have attended a large religious gathering at Yari’s residence on Saturday, where more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams reportedly converged for prayers for peace, national unity and political stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports of the abduction emerged on Saturday evening through Northwest crisis reporter Bakatsine, who disclosed the incident on his X account.
Among those reportedly abducted were Imam Yahuza, identified as the First Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, the Second Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
The clerics were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to participate in the prayer session.
According to the report, the gathering focused on prayers for peace in Nigeria, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reported attack has renewed concerns over persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where communities have continued to experience kidnappings, armed raids and other attacks blamed on bandit groups.
Bakatsine described the development as particularly troubling, noting that the victims had only just attended a gathering connected with a prominent political figure before they were reportedly seized.
The incident has also raised fresh questions about the safety of residents travelling between communities in areas affected by banditry.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Zamfara State Police Command nor other security agencies had issued an official statement confirming the reported abduction or providing details on possible rescue operations.
Authorities were also yet to disclose the exact number of clerics allegedly taken by the gunmen.
