Six Islamic clerics have been abducted by gunmen while travelling along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The clerics were reportedly heading to Talata Mafara when armed men ambushed their vehicle at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying all six occupants of the vehicle, who were identified as Imams, were taken away by the attackers.
According to the command, the Divisional Police Officer in Bakura immediately mobilised police personnel, including members of the Violence Crime Response Unit, alongside other security agencies to search for the victims.
Security operatives have since been combing surrounding bushes and other areas in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted clerics.
The state Commissioner of Police, A. M. Bello, directed the operatives involved in the operation to intensify their efforts and use all available resources to secure the victims’ release.
The police also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist in locating the clerics and apprehending the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has denied reports that the clerics were abducted from the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’aziz Yari, in Talata Mafara.
The Army said intelligence available to it indicated that the clerics were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.
It added that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
The Army urged the public to disregard sensationalised and unverified reports, warning that such information could create panic and undermine the ongoing rescue operation.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and actionable information.
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