Five Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, with no confirmed information about their release.

The clerics were reportedly kidnapped on September 12, 2026, while returning from a prayer gathering organised for President Bola Tinubu at the residence of Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

Their continued captivity was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine, who covers security developments in northwestern Nigeria.

In a post on X, Bakatsine appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for the clerics’ safe return.

“UPDATE: The Islamic scholars are still in the hands of bandits. Let us continue to remember them in our prayers and hope for their safe return,” he wrote.

The abducted clerics were identified as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u.

Reports indicated that they had travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to attend the gathering before they were abducted while returning home.

A subsequent report on the incident alleged that the kidnappers demanded ₦30 million as ransom for their release. However, the latest update did not provide further details about negotiations or any progress towards securing their freedom.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He has also been identified in the report as the Director-General of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign.

The prolonged captivity has renewed concerns about the threat posed by armed groups operating in Zamfara and other parts of northwestern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have affected residents and communities.

As of Friday, there was no confirmed report that the five clerics had been released. Their families and supporters are awaiting further developments as calls continue for their safe return.