Five Islamic Clerics Abducted in Zamfara Remain in Captivity After 41 Days

Five Islamic clerics abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, with no confirmation of their release as of Friday.

The clerics were reportedly kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while returning home from a prayer gathering for President Bola Tinubu at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.

Clerics Identified

The abducted clerics were identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u.

They reportedly travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering before they were abducted.

Bandits Reportedly Demand N30m Ransom

A subsequent update on the incident indicated that the abductors had demanded a ransom of N30 million for the clerics’ release.

Bakatsine, a conflict reporter covering northwestern Nigeria, confirmed their continued captivity in a post on X on Friday, appealing to Nigerians to pray for their safe return.

Senator Yari, whose residence hosted the prayer gathering, is a former Zamfara State governor and the Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.

The prolonged abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity in Zamfara State, where armed banditry and kidnappings continue to threaten residents.

Daily Post