The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of six Imams travelling to Talata Mafara for a prayer session linked to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The clerics were intercepted by armed men at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, along the Dakko-Damri road in Bakura Local Government Area.
Police spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident on Sunday, September 13, saying security forces had launched a search operation for the victims.
The Nigerian Army, however, clarified that the clerics were not abducted at the residence of former Zamfara governor and serving Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, as initially reported.
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Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, said the victims were seized while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.
The incident comes amid persistent banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara.
In June, 39 residents of Magamin Diddi in Maradun Local Government Area were abducted during a meeting convened to discuss peace with representatives of a suspected bandit leader.
The latest incident underscores the continuing security risks along rural routes in the state.
Security agencies are currently searching for the six Imams as of the time of filing this report.