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Bandits Demand ₦30m Ransom for Six Islamic Clerics Abducted in Zamfara
Bandits have reportedly demanded ₦30 million for six Islamic clerics abducted along the Dakko–Damri road in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Bandits have reportedly demanded ₦30 million for the release of six Islamic clerics abducted in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The clerics were among eight people abducted along the Dakko–Damri feeder road while travelling towards Talata Mafara, according to security officials and community sources.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the abduction but rejected reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State governor and Senator Abdulaziz Yari in Talata Mafara.
The Army said the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara. Police similarly said armed men ambushed their vehicle at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko–Damri road.
The clerics were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara for a meeting and prayer gathering associated with Yari, who is the senator representing Zamfara West. Reports have linked the gathering to prayers for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
A resident of Dakko village, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim, subsequently told reporters that the abductors were demanding ₦30 million for the release of the six clerics.
The driver who was abducted alongside the clerics was reportedly released after his family paid ₦2 million in ransom. Two other people who were also abducted while returning from a farm were reportedly released after their abductors demanded ₦300,000 each and two 25-litre containers of petrol.
The six clerics were identified as Malam Muhammadu Shehu, Malam Murtala Dakko, Malam Muhammad Yahuza, Malam Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Bala Hogun and Malam Muhammad Tasi’u.
The Zamfara State Police Command said security personnel, working with other agencies, had commenced a search operation aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the abductors.
The reported ransom demand comes amid continued concerns over bandit attacks and kidnappings in Zamfara and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West.