Zamfara Insecurity Deepens As Clerics Reportedly Abducted After Yari’s Prayer Meeting

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The security situation in Zamfara State has come under fresh scrutiny after suspected bandits 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.

The reported abduction occurred after the clerics joined more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams at Yari’s residence for a special prayer session ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development was made public on Saturday evening by Northwest-based crisis reporter Bakatsine in a post on his X handle.

According to the report, some of the clerics allegedly taken away included 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.

The clerics reportedly travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to participate in the gathering.

The prayer session was reportedly held to seek peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

The reported incident has raised concerns over the reach of bandit groups in Zamfara, particularly because the alleged abduction occurred after a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure.

Bakatsine described the development as disturbing and linked it to the wider security challenges confronting communities across the state.

“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.

Zamfara has continued to experience attacks and abductions attributed to armed bandit groups, with several communities facing persistent security threats.

However, the reported abduction had not received immediate official confirmation from the police or other security agencies as of the time of filing this report.

The identities of all those allegedly abducted and their current whereabouts also remained unclear.