At least five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists in Zamfara State shortly after attending a prayer gathering at the residence of former governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara.
The reported abduction occurred on Saturday, September 12, after the clerics attended a gathering organised at Yari’s residence, where a large number of Islamic scholars reportedly gathered to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Reports identified the victims as Imam Yahuza, First Juma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, Second Juma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
The clerics were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering.
Abduction Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s states most severely affected by banditry and kidnapping.
The reported abduction is particularly significant because it allegedly occurred after a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure.
Yari, a former governor of Zamfara and serving senator representing Zamfara West, is also playing a major role in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 election.
He was recently appointed Director-General of President Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
The reported incident therefore combines two major issues currently confronting Zamfara — worsening insecurity and increasingly active political mobilisation ahead of the next general election.
Large Prayer Gathering
Reports said about 1,000 Islamic scholars and clerics attended the prayer gathering at Yari’s residence.
The event was reportedly organised to pray for Tinubu’s success in the 2027 presidential election.
Yari has previously hosted large gatherings of Islamic clerics in Talata Mafara.
In April 2026, he hosted more than 1,000 chief imams and Islamic clerics from Zamfara’s 14 local government areas and appealed to them to intensify prayers for peace in the state and Nigeria.
The latest gathering similarly brought together Islamic religious leaders from different parts of the state.
Security Agencies Yet to Confirm
Despite the reports, the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction remain unclear.
At the time of reporting, there had been no official confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command, the state government or other security agencies.
The identity of the alleged abductors and their whereabouts also remained unknown.
This means the reported number of victims and the circumstances of the incident should be treated as preliminary pending confirmation by security authorities.
The absence of an immediate official statement has also left unanswered questions about how the clerics were allegedly taken and whether any security personnel were present around the venue.
Zamfara’s Persistent Banditry Crisis
Zamfara has remained one of the epicentres of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with communities across the state repeatedly affected by kidnappings, killings and attacks.
Talata Mafara itself has previously experienced major security incidents, including abductions linked to criminal groups.
The latest reported incident therefore comes against a backdrop of longstanding insecurity in the state.
The alleged targeting of Islamic clerics after a political prayer gathering could further heighten concerns about the ability of residents to participate safely in public and religious activities.
Investigation Expected
If confirmed, the abduction will place additional pressure on security agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and secure the release of the victims.
Families and communities of the affected clerics are expected to await further information on their whereabouts and condition.
For now, the reported incident remains under investigation, with no official confirmation available.
The development nevertheless underscores the continuing security challenge facing Zamfara, where even gatherings involving religious and political figures can become vulnerable to criminal attacks.