Six Juma'at Imams were abducted by suspected bandits in Gonar Sarkin Forest, about three kilometres from Damri village in Zamfara State, while travelling to a special prayer session in Talata Mafara. The event, organised by Senator Abdul'aziz Yari Abubakar, Director-General of the Tinubu 2027 re-election campaign council, was intended to gather 2,933 Imams for prayers supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid. The Imams, identified as Malam Shehu of Dakko Juma'at Mosque, Liman Yahuza and his deputy from Dogon Madacci, Liman Bala from Fagon, and Na'ibi Tasi'u from Tungar Nagodai, were taken at Gidan Suleiman Bature. Na'ibi Tasi'u is from Anka Local Government Area, while the others are from Bakura LGA.
Two other individuals and a driver, Abun Abu, were also abducted during separate trips along the same route. One of the kidnapped persons was later released after the bandits took N1.9 million he was carrying, claiming he had "paid his ransom." Residents of Damri and surrounding communities, including Matsafa, Yar Matsafa, Gazamnah, Lambusu, Sabon Garin Damri, Kurhi, Mallamawa, Saturu and Cikayi (Makwasa), reported living under constant fear, with bandits controlling farmlands and imposing levies on harvests. A resident said no visible security response had been observed by midnight, and movement beyond one kilometre from homes had become impossible.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction of six Imams. DSP Yazid Abubakar, the command's spokesperson, said rescue efforts had been intensified to secure their safe return.
Senator Abdul'aziz Yari organised a high-profile prayer event for Tinubu's 2027 re-election, yet the abduction of six Imams en route exposes the gap between political symbolism and ground security realities. Residents remain trapped in their villages under bandit control, with no visible security presence despite the high-level nature of the targeted gathering.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
