Gunmen raid Bauchi village, kidnap relatives of JIBWIS Chief Imam
Gunmen Abduct Family Members of Bauchi Chief Imam
Alkaleri, Bauchi State — Armed assailants abducted four relatives of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), during a late-night attack on Saturday in the Digare community. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. as residents were preparing to settle in for the night.
Witnesses reported that the gunmen arrived, firing shots into the air and forcing their way into the Imam’s residence, which caused widespread panic. Local residents described the attack as swift and chaotic, with the assailants quickly leaving the scene after the kidnapping. One mobile phone belonging to the Imam, which was charging at the time, was also taken.
Councillor Buba Jauro, who represents the Digare Ward, confirmed the incident, stating that many residents initially mistook the gunfire for a response by security forces to local unrest. “We first heard a gunshot, then another, and assumed it was security personnel,” he said. “But as more shots rang out, we realized it was an attack and advised people to stay indoors.”
Jauro indicated that the attackers specifically targeted the Imam’s home. Fortunately, the cleric managed to escape before they reached his room. Initially, three of the Imam’s wives were taken, although two were later released. The abductors ultimately fled with one wife, the Imam’s son, and two children believed to be his nieces.
Despite a security presence in the area, residents expressed fear following the abduction. Jauro noted that as of the time of reporting, the kidnappers had not yet contacted the family to demand ransom.
Bauchi State Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the abduction. According to him, a distress report was received regarding the kidnapping, which occurred in the Anguwan Madaki area of Degare village. He identified the victims as Rukayya Junaidu, 19, Nafisa Zubairu, 19, Safiya Imam Lata, 18, and Maryam Dadalliya, 30.
Abubakar also mentioned that the assailants absconded with two black Tecno mobile phones belonging to the family. He stated that a joint rescue operation involving police, army personnel, and local vigilante groups led to the successful recovery of two victims, Lawiza Abubakar, 35, and Musa Abdullahi, 10, both unharmed.
Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu assured the community that security forces are intensifying their efforts to rescue the remaining abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice.
