Kidnapped Imam, Family Members Feared Dead in Bandits’ Den in Zamfara

Residents of Maru in Zamfara State are grieving after reports emerged that the kidnapped chief imam, Alkali Salisu Suleiman, along with his two sons and a grandchild, have been killed while in captivity by bandits. The tragic news was revealed by a female abductee who recently escaped from the bandits’ den and shared details with the community.

There are conflicting reports regarding the timing of their deaths, with some sources claiming the killings occurred before Ramadan, while others suggest it happened just before the Sallah festival. A source mentioned that nine members of Suleiman’s family were abducted, and five of them remain unaccounted for.

Suleiman, a retired Shari’ah court judge, was among the more than 20 people kidnapped during a raid on Maru two months ago. Among the victims were a newlywed couple who were celebrating their marriage. At the time of the abduction, Suleiman was reportedly ill, and his captors had demanded medicine and clothing, which his family sent. It remains unclear whether he died from his illness or was executed.

Initially, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N20 million, but the family was only able to raise N11 million. In addition to the money, the captors requested a new motorcycle and food supplies. Following the escape of the woman, the community held a funeral prayer for the deceased imam and his family members on Tuesday in line with Islamic tradition.

Zamfara Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, stated that he had not yet received official confirmation regarding the deaths of the imam and his family.