Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists after attending a prayer session for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.
The clerics were among Islamic scholars who gathered at the residence of former Zamfara Governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to pray for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
About 1,000 Islamic scholars reportedly attended the gathering, which was hosted by Yari, the Director General of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign.
According to SaharaReporters, the clerics travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer before they were allegedly kidnapped.
The reported victims include Imam Yahuza, First Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, Second Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
Their whereabouts and the identities of their abductors remained unknown as of press time.
The reported incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in Zamfara, where banditry and kidnapping have continued to threaten residents and visitors.
Neither the police nor other security agencies had officially confirmed the abductions as of the time of filing this report.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Yezid Abubakar, was reportedly yet to respond to calls and messages seeking clarification.
The incident occurred a day after the Department of State Services warned religious leaders in Osun State of alleged terrorist plots targeting places of worship ahead of the 2027 elections.
