NEWS
Five Islamic Clerics Abducted After Attending Tinubu Re-Election Prayer In Zamfara
Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists shortly after attending a special prayer gathering organised for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, following the gathering, which attracted about 1,000 Islamic scholars who had assembled to pray for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The clerics reportedly abducted 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 sources familiar with the incident, the affected clerics had travelled from communities across Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to participate in the prayer gathering at Yari’s residence.
Their reported abduction has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, particularly because the incident allegedly occurred after they attended a high-profile political and religious gathering involving a former governor and serving senator.
Yari is also serving as the Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, making the reported incident particularly significant given the political context surrounding the gathering.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction remain unclear, including the exact location where the clerics were reportedly taken and the identity of those responsible.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the five clerics remained unknown, while security agencies had yet to issue an official statement confirming or providing details of the incident.
The Zamfara State Police spokesperson, Yezid Abubakar, had also reportedly not responded to messages and calls seeking clarification on the reported abductions.
The development comes amid persistent concerns over terrorist and bandit activities in parts of Zamfara, where communities continue to face security challenges and attacks.