Six Imams Abducted On Way To Yari’s Special Prayer In Zamfara

Six Juma’at Imams have been abducted by suspected bandits while travelling to Talata Mafara in Zamfara State to attend a special prayer organised ahead of the 2027 general elections Daily Trust reported.

The clerics were reportedly kidnapped at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest, about three kilometres from Damri village, while on their way to the prayer session organised by Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, former Zamfara State governor and Director-General of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign council.

The prayer was expected to attract 2,933 Imams for prayers for peace and the success of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

A resident of one of the affected communities told Daily Trust that the clerics were abducted while responding to Yari’s invitation.

Among those identified were the Imam of Dakko Juma’at Mosque, Malam Shehu; Imam of Dogon Madacci, Liman Yahuza, and his deputy; Imam of Fagon, Liman Bala; and Imam of Tungar Nagodai, Na’ibi Tasi’u.

According to the resident, most of the abducted clerics are from Bakura Local Government Area, while the Imam from Tungar Nagodai is from Anka LGA.

The source added that two other people and a driver identified as Abun Abu were also abducted in separate incidents. One of the victims was reportedly released after bandits collected ₦1.9 million he was carrying.

“The bandits later released one among the people kidnapped because he was carrying N1.9 million generated from his sales. They collected the money and said he had paid his ransom,” the resident said.

Another resident said the Imams were taken in a forest along the Dakko-Damri route before they could reach the venue of the prayer.

“They were abducted along the Dakko-Damri forest. They had not even reached the venue of the special prayers. The incident occurred on their way there,” he said.

The residents also raised concerns over the alleged growing influence of bandits in communities around Damri, claiming that several villages had been placed under their control and subjected to levies on farm produce.

The communities mentioned include Matsafa, Yar Matsafa, Gazamnah, Lambusu, Sabon Garin Damri, Kurhi, Mallamawa, Saturu and Cikayi, also known as Makwasa.

One of the residents described the security situation as critical, saying people were afraid to move freely within their communities.

“We have no difference with prisoners as we remain indoors always, even in the morning,” he said.

He also expressed concern that there had been no visible security response to the abduction as of midnight.

“Up to now, which is around midnight as I am speaking to you, I have neither seen nor heard about the presence or any effort made by the security forces to rescue the Imams, even if it is a show of force,” he claimed.

The residents appealed to the authorities to urgently strengthen security in the affected communities and rescue the abducted clerics.

They also urged political leaders to pay attention to the worsening insecurity ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Let them remember that they are about to visit us for campaigns. Therefore, even if you did not help us as your citizens, we are pleading with you to come to our aid, even if it is for your own political interest,” one resident said.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction, correcting the initial figure and stating that six Imams were kidnapped.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said security operatives had commenced efforts to secure their release.

“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,” DSP Yazid said.