Bandits Reportedly Abduct Islamic Clerics At Yari’s Residence In Zamfara
Several Islamic scholars were reportedly abducted by suspected bandits on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while attending a prayer gathering at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.
Those reportedly taken away include Imam Yahuza, First Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Magawata Abdullahi, Second Jumma’at Imam of Dogon Madacci; Malam Shehu Dakko; Imam Bala Fagon; and Na’ibi Tasi’u of Tungar Nagudai.
The clerics were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara Local Government Areas to attend the gathering at Yari’s residence.
The reports could not immediately be independently confirmed by security authorities as of the time of filing this report, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged abductions remained unclear.
The development is particularly disturbing given the location of the incident. Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State and serving Senator representing Zamfara West, was recently appointed Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Yari has also previously hosted large gatherings of Islamic scholars and chief imams at his Talata Mafara residence, including an April 2026 meeting attended by more than 1,000 clerics from across Zamfara.
The reported incident underscores the continuing security challenges confronting Zamfara, a state that has suffered repeated attacks and abductions by armed groups.
Talata Mafara itself has previously witnessed bandit attacks, including a 2023 incident in which several people were abducted after armed men invaded the town.
If confirmed, the latest incident would raise fresh concerns over the safety of residents and visitors attending public, religious and community gatherings in the state, while putting renewed pressure on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further abductions.
