BREAKING: Bandits reportedly abduct Islamic clerics after prayer session at Senator Yari’s residence

Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who attended a prayer gathering at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident was disclosed in a post on Saturday evening by crisis reporter in the Northwest region, Bakatsine, via his X handle. 

According to Bakatsine, the 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.

He identified some of those reportedly abducted 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 clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering.

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, APC, 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.

There was no immediate official statement from the police or other security agencies confirming the reported abductions as of the time of filing this report.