Yari

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Some Nigerians on social media have expressed jubilation over the reported abduction of Islamic clerics who were said to have visited the residence of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, to pray for President Bola Tinubu’s success in the 2027 presidential election.

The clerics were reportedly abducted by bandits after leaving Yari’s residence, according to a report shared by BBC Hausa.

The report has triggered a wave of reactions on Facebook, with some users appearing to celebrate the incident because of the clerics’ reported political prayers.

One Facebook user, Auwal Sulaiman, commented, “Dole sai sun hada da kudin fansa,” suggesting that the clerics would have to contribute money towards their ransom.

Another user, Yusuf Sani, wrote, “Gaskiya tsaro ya inganta shikenan hanun karba hanun mayarwa hadda riba xa’aci akansu,” sarcastically suggesting that the country’s security situation had improved and that the abductees would be returned, even with interest added to the ransom.

Usman Jidda simply reacted, “Allah Shi…….”

Musa Haruna asked, “Kowa yakiji bayaki gani, Ina gani bazaiga DA kyauba,” while Sagir Abdullah said, “muna masu addu’ar Allah yayimasu mafita, indai ohmologo ne bazamu zaba ba,” expressing a prayer for their safe resolution but also linking the incident to political opposition.

Other commenters took a more celebratory tone. One user wrote, “Masha Allah Allah Allah yasa su kàshèshu ko b@nza anrage mugún iri,” while Kasim Ibrahim described the incident as evidence that the victim had “seen the truth.”

Mahamadou Hamidou Arzika commented, “Masha Allah, Allah ya sa su yanka su,” while Khalifa Bellobb wrote, “Karshen Kwadayi, MashaAllah barakallah me ya kai su,” implying that the incident was a consequence of greed or political ambition.

The reactions have drawn attention to the deep political divisions surrounding the 2027 election, with some social media users showing little sympathy for people perceived to be supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The comments have also raised concerns about the extent to which political disagreements and frustration over insecurity have influenced public reactions to incidents involving kidnapping and banditry.

The Daily Reality could not independently verify the identities of all the abducted clerics or the circumstances surrounding their abduction at the time of publication.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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

The reported incident was disclosed on Saturday by Northwest-based crisis reporter, Bakatsine, through a post on his X handle.

The clerics were said to have been taken away after attending a special prayer session at Yari’s residence, where more than 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had gathered ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those reportedly abducted were 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.

According to Bakatsine, the affected clerics travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering.

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

Bakatsine expressed concern over the reported abduction, noting that the incident occurred at the residence of a prominent political figure.

He said the development was another indication of the worsening security situation in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to threaten residents.

“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.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the police or other security agencies regarding the reported abduction.