Zamfara: Several Islamic clerics kidnapped after prayer gathering at Yari’s residence

Islamic scholars have been allegedly kidnapped by some suspected hoodlums following a meeting held in their house, in a prayer session which took place in the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari.

The incident was revealed by Northwest crisis reporter Bakatsine on Saturday evening through a tweet on his handle.

According to the report, the clerics were abducted after attending a gathering at Yari’s residence, where more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had reportedly assembled for special prayers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Some of those reportedly abducted were identified as 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.

Bakatsine said the affected clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to participate in the prayer gathering.

The gathering reportedly took place at Yari’s residence, with the clerics praying for peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

The reported abduction has raised concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to pose a major threat to residents.

Bakatsine described the development as particularly disturbing because the alleged abductions occurred after the clerics attended a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure.

“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.

However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate official confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command or other security agencies regarding the reported abductions.

The identities of the alleged abductors and the whereabouts of the affected clerics also remained unclear.