5 Islamic Clerics Abducted in Zamfara After Prayer for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid at Senator Yari’s Residence

Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists 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.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on Saturday, September 12, 2026, shortly after the gathering, where about 1,000 Islamic scholars were said to have prayed for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The victims include Imam Yahuza, First Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, Second Jumma’at Imam in Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.

Sources said the clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering.

The reported abduction has raised fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara, particularly as the incident allegedly occurred in connection with a gathering at the residence of Yari, who is also the Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.

The identities of the abductors and their whereabouts remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the reported abductions.

Also, the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, Yezid Abubakar, had not responded to messages and calls seeking comment as of press time.