41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Five Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, renewing concerns over their safety and the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West.

The continued detention of the clerics was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine, who appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for their safe return.

In an update shared on social media on October 23, 2026, Bakatsine said the Islamic scholars were still in the hands of their abductors and expressed hope that they would reunite with their families.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling towards Talata Mafara Local Government Area for a special prayer gathering organised in connection with President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was associated with Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and the Director-General of Tinubu’s re-election campaign council.

Reports identified the five clerics as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u. They were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to attend the gathering.

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However, the Nigerian Army clarified shortly after the incident that the clerics were not abducted at Yari’s residence, contrary to some initial reports. According to the military, intelligence indicated that the victims were seized while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that armed men had intercepted the clerics’ vehicle along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area and that efforts were underway to rescue them.

There were initial reports that six Islamic clerics had been abducted, although the latest reports identifying those still in captivity named five victims.

Reports following the abduction indicated that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ families before the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦30 million during negotiations. However, there has been no confirmed public update on the progress of the negotiations or whether the demand has been met.

As of Friday, October 23, there was no confirmed information that the clerics had been released. Their current whereabouts and condition also remained unclear.

The prolonged captivity has heightened concerns over the security situation in Zamfara State, where armed groups have continued to abduct travellers and residents for ransom.

The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by people travelling between rural communities in the state, despite security operations aimed at curbing banditry.

Families of kidnapped victims and residents of affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and more effective rescue operations to prevent further abductions and secure the release of those still being held.

Bakatsine’s latest appeal has renewed calls for continued public concern over the fate of the five clerics as their families await news of their safe return.