Five Islamic clerics reportedly ∆bducted after prayer gathering at Senator’s residence

Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected bandits after attending a prayer gathering at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The reported abduction occurred on Saturday, September 12, shortly after the clerics attended the gathering at Yari’s residence.

The gathering reportedly brought together hundreds of Islamic scholars and Imams for special prayers, with reports stating that the prayers were linked to peace, national unity and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Those reportedly abducted include:

• Imam Yahuza, First Jumma’at, Dogon Madacci
• Magawata Abdullahi, Second Jumma’at, Dogon Madacci
• Malam Shehu Dakko
• Imam Bala Fagon
• Na’ibi Tasi’u, Tungar Nagudai

The clerics were reportedly among those who travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in Zamfara, particularly because the reported abduction occurred after a gathering at the residence of a former governor and serving senator.

As of the time of reporting, the identities of the abductors and the whereabouts of the five clerics remained unclear.

The reported abduction had also not been officially confirmed by the Zamfara State Government, police or other security agencies.