Gunmen Raid Bauchi Village, Kidnap Relatives of JIBWIS Chief Imam

Armed men have abducted four family members of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), during a late-night attack in Digare community, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:34 p.m. on Saturday, as residents were preparing to retire for the night. Witnesses said the assailants fired gunshots into the air before forcing their way into the Imam’s compound, causing panic throughout the area. The attackers reportedly took one of the Imam’s mobile phones, which was charging inside the house, and fled shortly after the abduction.

Hon. Buba Jauro, the councillor representing Digare Ward, confirmed the attack, noting that residents initially mistook the gunfire for routine security activity. “We first heard a gunshot, then another, and assumed it was security personnel responding to insecurity in the area. But moments later, several more shots rang out, and we realised it was an attack,” he said.

According to Jauro, the attackers specifically targeted the Chief Imam’s residence. The cleric reportedly escaped before they could reach his room. Initially, three of the Imam’s wives were taken, though two were later released. The kidnappers ultimately fled with one wife, the Imam’s son, and two other children believed to be his nieces.

SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, confirmed the abduction and stated that police received a distress report on February 15 regarding the incident. The victims were identified as Rukayya Junaidu (19), Nafisa Zubairu (19), Safiya Imam Lata (18), and Maryam Dadalliya (30). Two black Tecno mobile phones belonging to the family were also taken.

A joint rescue operation involving police, the army, and local vigilante groups successfully rescued two of the victims, Lawiza Abubakar (35) and Musa Abdullahi (10), without injuries.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice.