. Five prominent Imams identified among kidnapped clerics
Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who attended a prayer session at the residence of the Director General of the All Progressives Congress’ Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Crisis reporter in the Northwest region, Bakatsine, disclosed this incident on Saturday evening via his X handle.
Bakatsine said the Islamic clerics were abducted after attending the gathering at Yari’s residence, where over 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had earlier assembled for special prayers ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some of the clerics reportedly abducted were identified to include 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.
According to Bakatsine, the clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the special prayer session at Yari’s residence.
The gathering was held at Yari’s residence, where the clerics reportedly prayed for peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bakatsine described the reported abduction as disturbing, particularly because the clerics were gathered at the residence of a prominent political figure.
He said the incident further highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara, where bandit attacks and kidnappings have continued to affect communities.
“If people can be abducted while attending a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure, then where exactly are ordinary citizens supposed to feel safe?” he asked.
As of the time of filing this report, police had yet to issue any official statement on the reported abduction of the Islamic clerics.
