Six Imams Kidnapped By Bandits In Nigeria

Armed men locally known as bandits have kidnapped six imams in northern Nigeria, police in Zamfara State said on Sunday.

Zamfara police said the incident occurred on Saturday at about 11:30am local time when a group of armed men ambushed a vehicle along the Dakko-Damri feeder road. The six victims, all identified as imams, were travelling to Talata Mafara when the attackers intercepted and abducted them, according to the police statement.

Nigerian media reported that the imams had been invited as guests of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Zamfara governor and senior official of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Yari was organising a religious gathering at his home in Talata Mafara to pray for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in January.

Zamfara police said security teams had launched an intensive search operation, combing surrounding bushes to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.

Nigerian media reported that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom for the imams’ release. Daily Trust reported that more than 2,900 clerics had been invited to the prayer gathering in Zamfara.

Police have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made or provided further details on the ransom demand.

SOURCE: AFP