Six Muslim clerics have been abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State while travelling to Talata Mafara to participate in a special prayer session for peace and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The Imams were reportedly kidnapped in a forest around Gidan Suleiman Bature, about three kilometres from Damri village, while heading to the event organised by the Director-General of the Tinubu 2027 re-election campaign council and former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar.
The prayer session was expected to attract 2,933 Imams from across the state.
According to residents, the clerics were responding to Yari’s invitation when they were intercepted by the suspected bandits along the Dakko-Damri forest.
Among those initially identified were the Imam of Dakko Juma’at Mosque, Malam Shehu; the Imam of Dogon Madacci, Liman Yahuza, and his deputy; the Imam of Fagon, Liman Bala; and the Imam of Tungar Nagodai, Na’ibi Tasi’u.
The clerics were said to be from Bakura and Anka Local Government Areas.
Residents also reported that the bandits abducted other travellers in the area, including a driver identified as Abun Abu.
One of the kidnapped victims was reportedly released after the bandits collected N1.9 million he was carrying, allegedly proceeds from his business.
The incident has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in communities around Damri, where residents claim bandits have restricted movement and imposed levies on farmers.
A resident said several communities, including Matsafa, Yar Matsafa, Gazamnah, Lambusu, Sabon Garin Damri, Kurhi, Mallamawa, Saturu and Cikayi, are allegedly under the control of bandits.
Residents also appealed to the government and political leaders to urgently intervene, warning that the insecurity could affect communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction, putting the number of kidnapped Imams at six.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said security operatives had intensified efforts to rescue the clerics safely.
“Yes, the incident occurred but the number of the Imams abducted were six and our men have intensified a rescue mission to ensure their safe return,” he said.
