BTvNEWS

Clerics said to have been taken after attending special prayers in Talata Mafara; security agencies yet to officially confirm incident

By Our Correspondent in Talata Mafara, Zamfara-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: Five Islamic clerics have reportedly been abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State shortly after attending a special prayer gathering at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

The reported incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, amid continuing security concerns across Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West.

According to multiple reports, the clerics had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the prayer gathering at Senator Yari’s residence.

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

The gathering was reportedly attended by a large number of Islamic scholars and imams who had assembled for special prayers focusing on peace, national unity and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reports differ on the number of participants, with some putting the figure at about 1,000 and others at more than 2,000.

The circumstances surrounding the reported abduction remain unclear. Some reports initially suggested that the clerics were abducted in connection with the gathering at Senator Yari’s residence, while others reported that they were allegedly taken shortly after leaving the venue on their way home.

The development has generated fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara, where communities have continued to face threats from banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

The incident is particularly disturbing because of the reported circumstances surrounding the gathering and the prominence of its host, Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara State and serving Senator representing the Zamfara West Senatorial District. The National Assembly identifies Yari as the senator representing Zamfara West.

The reported abduction has also raised questions about the security of ordinary citizens attending religious, social and community gatherings in parts of the state.

“If people can be abducted after attending a gathering at the residence of a prominent political figure, then where exactly are ordinary citizens supposed to feel safe?” one report quoted a source as questioning.

However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the Zamfara State Police Command or other security agencies confirming the reported abduction.

Reports also indicate that efforts to obtain an official response from the Zamfara State Police Command had not yielded confirmation at the time of publication.

The identities of the alleged abductors, their current whereabouts and the precise circumstances of the reported incident remain unclear.

BTvNEWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as information becomes available from the relevant security authorities.