TALATA MAFARA, NIGERIA — Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted several Islamic clerics who attended a prayer gathering at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in an incident that has further underscored the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-West.
The incident was disclosed in a post on Saturday evening by a crisis reporter covering the North-West region, Bakatsine, via his X handle. According to the report, the clerics were abducted after attending the gathering at Yari’s residence, where over 2,000 Islamic scholars and imams had earlier assembled for special prayers ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bakatsine identified some of those reportedly abducted as 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 had reportedly travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering.
The gathering was held at Yari’s residence, where the clerics reportedly prayed for peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. Senator Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, is a prominent political figure in the region and currently represents Zamfara West in the Senate.
Bakatsine described the reported abduction as disturbing, particularly because the clerics were gathered at the residence of a prominent political figure. He said the incident further highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara, where bandit attacks and kidnappings have continued to affect communities.
“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.
There was no immediate official statement from the police or other security agencies confirming the reported abductions as of the time of filing this report. The Zamfara State Police Command has yet to respond to inquiries about the incident, and it remains unclear whether any rescue operation has been launched.
The reported abduction has sparked widespread concern on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and demanding decisive action from security agencies. The incident is the latest in a series of kidnappings that have plagued Zamfara State and the broader North-West region, where armed groups continue to terrorise communities, abduct residents for ransom, and disrupt economic activities.
Analysts say the abduction of clerics at a political gathering underscores the vulnerability of even high-profile events to criminal elements and raises serious questions about the capacity of security agencies to protect citizens. It also highlights the growing boldness of bandit groups, who have increasingly targeted prominent individuals and locations.
As the 2027 elections approach, the security situation in the North-West is likely to remain a major political issue, with opposition parties expected to criticise the government’s handling of the crisis. For now, the families of the abducted clerics and the wider Zamfara community await news of their loved ones, hoping for their safe return.
