It has been two weeks since five Juma'at imams were abducted by bandits in Zamfara State, and their whereabouts remain unknown. The clerics were kidnapped on September 13 while traveling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session organized for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. The prayer session was attended by over 2,000 imams and was organized by Senator Abdul'aziz Yari Abubakar, the Director-General of the Tinubu 2027 re-election campaign council and former Zamfara State governor.
The abducted imams are from Bakura Local Government Area, except for Na'ibi Tasi'u, who is from Anka LGA. They are the Imam of Dakko Juma'at Mosque, Malam Shehu; the Imam of Dogon Madacci, Liman Yahuza, and his deputy; the Imam of Fagon, Liman Bala; and the Imam of Tungar Nagodai, Na'ibi Tasi'u. The Zamfara State Police Command has launched a rescue operation to secure their release. A son of one of the abducted imams expressed concern over the continued uncertainty, stating that the families and communities are traumatized.
The son, who pleaded anonymity, said the communities had begun exploring other options to secure the release of the clerics, citing inadequate response from the government and security agencies. He also expressed concern over comments linking the abduction to the purpose of the clerics' journey. The communities are working to meet a deadline reportedly given by the bandits to meet their demands. The son is part of a committee working to secure the release of the clerics.
According to a relative of the abducted imams, the bandits have moved the clerics to another location, and the families have lost hope of any intervention. The bandits initially demanded N100 million in ransom, which was later reduced to N30 million after negotiations. The relative alleged that the bandits offered reconciliation in exchange for a reduction in the ransom, but the communities rejected the proposal, choosing to pay the ransom instead.
Another source alleged that informants have frustrated security operations aimed at rescuing the clerics. The informants obstructed the security response to rescue the abducted imams on two separate occasions. Security personnel attempted to reach the bandits' location but were forced to withdraw after receiving information that their movement had been exposed.
The Damri market did not hold on Monday following information that bandits planned to attack the market. The communities are contributing money to meet the bandits' target. Meanwhile, one person was killed on Monday when heavily armed bandits attacked a livestock market in Tsafe, Zamfara State, forcing traders and buyers to flee. Security operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat from the area.
The incident in Tsafe was the second attack on the market in the past two months. The renewed attacks have heightened fears among residents, particularly farmers and traders who depend on access to markets and farmlands for their livelihoods. Efforts to reach the Zamfara State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Captain Mairiga; Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Dantawasa; and the state police spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful.
Key points
- The abduction of the five imams occurred on September 13.
- The bandits initially demanded N100 million in ransom.
- The Zamfara State Police Command has launched a rescue operation.
