Five Islamic clerics who attended a prayer gathering for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists in Zamfara State, turning a political-religious gathering into a fresh reminder of the state’s deepening security challenge.
The clerics were said to have been seized shortly after attending the gathering at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara on Saturday.
The incident reportedly occurred after about 1,000 Islamic scholars gathered at Yari’s residence to pray for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
According to SaharaReporters, the victims include Imam Yahuza, First Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, Second Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
The clerics were reportedly among worshippers who travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas for the prayer gathering. Their reported abduction shortly after the event has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of residents moving around the state, even in connection with major public and religious gatherings.
The development also injects a troubling security dimension into an event linked to the 2027 political contest, as Yari is not only a former governor and serving senator but also identified as Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.
The reported incident raises questions about the ability of security agencies to protect citizens participating in high-profile gatherings, particularly in a state that has continued to grapple with attacks and abductions by armed groups.
As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the alleged abductors and the whereabouts of the five clerics remained unknown.
Security agencies had yet to issue an official statement confirming the incident, while Zamfara State Police spokesman, Yezid Abubakar, reportedly did not respond to calls and messages seeking clarification.
