Five Islamic Clerics Abducted After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer At Yari’s Zamfara Residence

Five Islamic Clerics Abducted After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer At Yari’s Zamfara Residence

Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists shortly after attending a special prayer gathering for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The reported abduction occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, shortly after hundreds of Islamic scholars and clerics gathered at Yari’s residence for prayers ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to reports, the clerics were allegedly intercepted and taken away after leaving the gathering, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara State.

SaharaReporters reported that the victims 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 were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering before the alleged abduction.

The reported incident occurred against the backdrop of a major religious gathering held at Yari’s Talata Mafara residence.

While SaharaReporters reported that about 1,000 Islamic scholars attended the gathering, another report by New Telegraph put the number at more than 3,000 clerics and Imams drawn from across the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The prayers were organised to seek divine intervention for the restoration of lasting peace in Zamfara and Nigeria, the peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections and the victory of President Tinubu.

Prayers were also offered for Nigerian troops and other security personnel battling terrorists and criminal groups across the country.

According to New Telegraph, several prominent Islamic scholars participated in the prayers, including Sheikh Liman Dan Alhaji of the Gusau major mosque and Sheikh Sadiqu Saddeeq.

Speaking during the gathering, Yari reportedly called for intensified prayers for the security of Nigerians and for an end to terrorist activities in Zamfara and other parts of the country.

The former governor, who is serving as Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, also urged the clerics to pray for the protection of citizens and security personnel.

He reportedly prayed for divine intervention against terrorists troubling Zamfara and Nigeria, as well as for peace and economic recovery.

The gathering therefore brought together Islamic scholars at a time when Zamfara remains one of the states severely affected by banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

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However, shortly after the prayer session, the five clerics were reportedly abducted by suspected terrorists.

The identities of the alleged abductors and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remained unclear as of the time of reporting.

It was also unclear whether the victims were abducted at the same location or intercepted at different points while travelling back to their respective communities.

The reported incident has generated fresh concerns because the victims were allegedly abducted after participating in a high-profile gathering attended by thousands of Islamic scholars.

As of the time of the report, there was no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the alleged abduction.

SaharaReporters reported that the Zamfara State Police spokesman, Yezid Abubakar, had not responded to calls and messages seeking clarification on the incident.

Consequently, the circumstances of the reported abduction, the identities of the attackers, the whereabouts of the five clerics and whether any ransom demand had been made remained unconfirmed.

The development, if confirmed, would further highlight the security challenges confronting Zamfara, where armed groups have continued to target communities and travellers despite ongoing military and security operations.

For now, families and communities of the affected clerics are awaiting further information on their whereabouts and efforts by security agencies to secure their release.

Five Islamic Clerics Abducted After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer At Yari’s Zamfara Residence