A former Commissioner for Religious Affairs in Zamfara State, Sheikh Abdullahi Maharazu Mafara, has narrowly escaped death after suspected bandits attacked his vehicle, leaving him injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday while the cleric was travelling from Talata Mafara to Gusau to attend a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reports, the attackers ambushed his vehicle and opened fire, hitting him in the leg. Despite the assault, he survived the attack.
A security alert by Bakatsine on Sunday confirmed the incident, stating that the former commissioner also a respected Islamic cleric and former local government chairman was specifically targeted.
“He sustained a gunshot wound to the leg; the bullet has been removed, and he is currently recuperating at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH),” the statement noted.
The attack has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Zamfara State, especially along major highways where bandits frequently carry out ambushes, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
Observers warn that the targeting of high-profile individuals underscores the growing boldness of armed groups operating in the region.
