Gunmen Abduct Six Islamic Clerics in Zamfara

Gunmen have abducted six Islamic clerics along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura LGA of Zamfara state.

Yazid Abubakar, Zamfara police spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday that the clerics were travelling to Talata Mafara when their vehicle was intercepted by armed bandits on Saturday.

Abubakar said the incident occurred around 11:30am when the assailants, who were reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, laid an ambush along the road and abducted the six victims, all identified as Imams.

He said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had commenced a search operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bakura Division, promptly mobilised and led Police personnel, including the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with other sister security agencies, to the scene of the incident,” Abubakar said.

He said the security teams were combing surrounding bushes in search of the victims.

The police spokesperson said A. M. Bello, Zamfara commissioner of police, directed the operatives to intensify efforts and deploy all available resources to secure the victims’ release.

He also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has denied reports that the clerics were abducted at the residence of Abdul’aziz Yari, former Zamfara governor and senator representing Zamfara West, in Talata Mafara.

Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director, army public relations, 8 division, Nigerian Army sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, said in a separate statement on Sunday that the claim was false.

Osoba said intelligence reports showed that “some persons were abducted while traveling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara”.

He said troops, working with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

Osoba urged residents to disregard “sensationalized narratives and unverified information” that could cause panic or compromise the ongoing operation.

He called on residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and actionable intelligence.