Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists after attending a special prayer gathering organised 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 attending the gathering at Yari’s residence, where about 1,000 Islamic scholars were said to have gathered to pray for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.
It was learnt that the victims reportedly include 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. 
Sources said the clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering.
Their 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, a former governor, serving senator and 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 as of press time.
Also, the Zamfara State police spokesman, Yezid Abubakar has not responded to messages and calls sent to him seeking his comment.
