The Zamfara State police command says it has launched a rescue mission for the six Islamic clerics who were abducted by bandits along Dakko-Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area of the state. 

A statement on Sunday by Yazid Abubakar, the command’s spokesman, said the clerics were abducted on Saturday at about 11:30 a.m. 

“A group of armed bandits, reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons, laid an ambush along  Dakko–Damri feeder road and intercepted a vehicle conveying the victims,” he said.

He stated that six victims, all identified as Imams, were reportedly travelling to Talata Mafara when they were intercepted and abducted by the armed assailants.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bakura Division, promptly mobilised and led Police personnel, including the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with other sister security agencies, to the scene of the incident,” Mr Abubakar said.

He noted that the security teams have commenced an intensive search operation, with the surrounding bushes being thoroughly combed in an effort to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.