Six Imams Abducted On Way To Tinubu 2027 Prayer Session In Zamfara

Six Juma’at Imams travelling to Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, for a special prayer session for peace and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid have been abducted by suspected bandits.

The clerics were kidnapped about three kilometres from Damri village, around Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest. They were heading to a prayer session organised by former Zamfara State governor and Director-General of the Tinubu 2027 re-election campaign council, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar.

The gathering was expected to attract 2,933 Imams for prayers for peace and the success of Tinubu’s re-election bid.

A resident of one of the affected communities told Daily Trust that the clerics were responding to Yari’s invitation when the bandits intercepted them.

Those identified among the abducted clerics include the Imam of Dakko Juma’at Mosque, Malam Shehu; the Imam of Dogon Madacci, Liman Yahuza, and his deputy. Others are the Imam of Fagon, Liman Bala, and the Imam of Tungar Nagodai, Na’ibi Tasi’u.

The resident said the affected Imams came mainly from Bakura Local Government Area, while the cleric from Tungar Nagodai hails from Anka Local Government Area.

He added that the attackers also abducted two other people and a driver identified as Abun Abu, who were travelling separately.

One of the victims later regained his freedom after the bandits took N1.9 million he was carrying. The money reportedly came from proceeds of his sales.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation around Damri and neighbouring communities.

According to another resident, the Imams were abducted in a forest along the Dakko-Damri route before they reached the venue of the prayer session.

He alleged that several villages in the area now operate under the control of bandits, who impose levies on residents before they can harvest their farm produce.

The affected communities, he said, include Matsafa, Yar Matsafa, Gazamnah, Lambusu, Sabon Garin Damri, Kurhi, Mallamawa, Saturu and Cikayi, also known as Makwasa.

“All these villages are under the total control of bandits. They do and undo,” the resident alleged.

He also claimed that residents had seen no visible security response to the abduction as of midnight.

He said the persistent attacks had effectively restricted movement, with residents afraid to venture far from their homes even during the day.

“We have no difference with prisoners as we remain indoors always,” he said, describing the situation in the communities as unbearable.

The resident said bandits often hide in farmlands and target people who leave their homes.

He appealed to the authorities to urgently deploy security personnel to the affected areas and secure the release of the abducted clerics.

The residents also called on politicians to address the insecurity before the 2027 election campaigns begin.

They argued that politicians seeking votes should also pay attention to the security challenges confronting the communities.

The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction but put the number of kidnapped Imams at six.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said security personnel had intensified efforts to rescue the clerics.

“Yes, the incident occurred but the number of the Imams abducted were six and our men have intensified a rescue mission to ensure their safe return,” he said.