Four family members of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), were abducted by armed men during a late-night attack in Digare community, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The raid occurred around 10:34 p.m. on Saturday, with assailants firing gunshots into the air before forcing their way into the Imam’s residence.
Witnesses described the attack as swift and chaotic, noting that the gunmen left the community shortly after the abduction. The attackers also took one of the Imam’s mobile phones, which was charging inside the house. Three of the Imam’s wives were initially taken, though two were later released, leaving one wife, the Imam’s son, and two other children believed to be his nieces in the kidnappers’ custody. The Chief Imam reportedly escaped unharmed.
Residents initially mistook the gunfire for routine security activity, according to Hon. Buba Jauro, councillor representing Digare Ward. Fear quickly spread throughout the community despite the presence of security personnel, as the abductors had not yet made contact to demand ransom at the time of reporting.
The Bauchi State Police confirmed the abduction, identifying the victims as Rukayya Junaidu (19), Nafisa Zubairu (19), Safiya Imam Lata (18), and Maryam Dadalliya (30). Two mobile phones belonging to the family were also taken. A joint rescue operation by the police, army, and local vigilante groups successfully recovered two victims, Lawiza Abubakar (35) and Musa Abdullahi (10), without injuries.
Authorities assured the public that security operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining abducted family members and apprehend the perpetrators. Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu said agencies are intensifying efforts to bring the kidnappers to justice and ensure the safety of residents in the community.
