Army says no Islamic clerics were taken from Senator Yari’s house

The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that some Islamic clerics were taken from Senator Abdul’aziz Yari's house in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State.

This information comes from a statement by Olaniyi Osoba, the spokesperson for Operation Fasan Yanma, a joint military task force in the North-west.

Mr Osoba said the army noticed what he called a “misleading report” that spread widely on social media.

“We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence,” he said. “The story that the abduction happened at the Senator’s house in Talata Mafara is completely false.”

PREMIUM TIMES reported that six imams were taken in Zamfara State on Sunday. Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed this in a statement, saying that their vehicle was stopped by suspected terrorists along the Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura LGA.

Mr Abubakar also mentioned that the police are looking for the victims.

Sahara Reporters had earlier stated that five clerics were taken after attending a prayer session for President Bola Tinubu's re-election at Senator Yari's home. But the police spokesperson did not explain what the clerics were traveling for.

Army’s view

The army provided a different take on the incident.

“Intelligence reports confirm that some people were taken while traveling from Sububu forest area in Bakura Local Government Area on their way to Talata Mafara,” Mr Osoba stated.

He added that a joint rescue operation with troops and other security agencies, supported by local intelligence, has begun.

He urged the public to “ignore sensational stories and unchecked information that could cause panic or affect ongoing operations.”

He also asked people to stay calm and alert, and to share any useful information with security forces to help with the rescue efforts.

Senator Yari, who was recently named the coordinator of Mr Tinubu’s re-election campaign, has not yet made any public comments about this situation.