Bandits abduct six imams in Nigeria in broad daylight

By Tolulope Oke

Armed bandits have abducted six imams travelling along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The clerics were travelling to Talata Mafara on Saturday when the gunmen intercepted their vehicle at about 11:30 a.m.

Zamfara State Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said the assailants, reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons, laid an ambush along the road before taking the six victims away.

Abubakar said police personnel and other security agencies had launched a joint search-and-rescue operation.

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

Security operatives were said to be combing nearby bushes in an attempt to locate the clerics and arrest their abductors.

Zamfara Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, directed the operatives to deploy all available resources to secure the victims’ release.

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

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

Army spokesperson Olaniyi Osoba said intelligence reports indicated that the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura to Talata Mafara.

Osoba said troops were working with other security agencies and local intelligence networks to rescue the victims.

He urged residents to disregard sensational or unverified reports capable of causing panic or compromising the operation.