Islamic Cleric Murdered by Bandits in Kaduna

Suspected bandits have killed an Islamic cleric on Wednesday in Layin Danauta, situated in the Kuyello Ward of the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

Community members, who shared a disturbing image of the deceased with PREMIUM TIMES, have identified the victim as Bello Abubakar.

Mr. Abubakar served as an assistant Imam at the Jama’atul Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (IZALA) mosque within the local area. He was attacked and murdered while gathering firewood in Kuyello Ward, found in the eastern section of Birnin Gwari.

A local resident disclosed to PREMIUM TIMES, requesting anonymity, that attacks have become frequent in the vicinity of Kutemeshe Ward, occurring almost daily yet often unreported due to fears of retaliation.

Residents expressed concern over the precarious security situation in Layin Danauta, noting that seven other locals kidnapped by criminal elements several months prior are still unaccounted for.

The news of Mr. Abubakar's death has left the community heartbroken, with reports indicating he was highly respected for his commitment to Qur'anic education and for leading daily prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

This incident happens despite a peace agreement the community had established with local bandit factions, demonstrating the ongoing crisis of kidnappings, killings, and ransom-related activities by armed groups in the area that have persisted for several years.

As of Thursday morning, attempts to reach Mansir Hassan, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, via his known contact number were unsuccessful.