Zamfara clerics abducted: Five imams spend 16 days in bandits’ captivity

Five Juma’at imams who were travelling to Talata Mafara in Zamfara State have spent at least 16 days in captivity after suspected bandits kidnapped them, according to reports.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on 13 September while travelling to attend a special prayer session in Talata Mafara.

The session was organised to pray for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027, according to reports.

The clerics were allegedly ambushed at Gidan Suleiman Bature by armed men suspected to be bandits.

Witnesses reportedly heard gunshots as the attackers stopped the vehicle carrying the clerics. The gunmen then took the five men away.

Reports say the prayer session was organised by Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, who has been identified as the Director-General of President Tinubu’s campaign council.

However, the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the current condition of the clerics have not been independently established from the information available.

The reported kidnapping has left the five imams in captivity for more than two weeks.

Kidnappings by armed groups remain a major security concern in parts of north-western Nigeria. Zamfara has experienced repeated attacks and abductions by armed groups in recent years.

For now, the whereabouts of the five clerics remain a key concern. Their families and associates are awaiting information about their safety and possible release.

The case also highlights the security risks faced by people travelling through parts of Zamfara, where armed groups have carried out attacks and kidnappings.

Authorities have yet to publicly provide, in the information supplied for this report, details of any rescue operation or negotiations concerning the five clerics.