In a devastating attack that has left a community in mourning, suspected kidnappers have killed a prominent Islamic cleric and abducted his wife and their two-week-old baby in Bauchi State.
Violent Night Attack Claims Cleric's Life
Armed assailants stormed the home of Alh. Muhammad Bakoshi in Zalau village, Toro Local Government Area during the late hours of Saturday, November 22, 2025. The respected cleric, who served as the Discipline Officer of the Jama'atu Izalatil Bid'ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in Zalau, was killed during the brutal assault.
According to multiple reports, the gunmen whose exact numbers remain unknown targeted the religious leader's residence in what appears to be a coordinated attack. The violence unfolded as most residents were preparing to retire for the night.
Family Torn Apart in Brutal Abduction
The attackers did not stop at taking the cleric's life. They proceeded to abduct Bakoshi's wife, who had given birth just two weeks earlier, and their newborn daughter. Both victims remained in captivity at the time initial reports were filed, with their safety and whereabouts unknown.
This heartbreaking detail adds another layer of tragedy to the incident, as the mother and infant were particularly vulnerable targets. The community expressed deep concern for the health and wellbeing of both abducted individuals given the baby's very young age.
Community Reels from Shock and Fear
A resident of Zalau village who spoke with journalists revealed that the attack has plunged the entire community into a state of fear and grief. The incident has exposed the vulnerability of residents to repeated bandit attacks and growing insecurity in the region.
"Bandits and kidnappers in Nigeria do not target only Christians," the resident emphasized. "These criminals go after anyone they see as vulnerable, regardless of religion. Let's focus on safety and unity, and we should not divide ourselves by faith."
Villagers have been gathering to pray for the safe return of the abducted family members and for strength to endure what they describe as an increasingly difficult period of insecurity.
Police Response Awaited Amid Growing Crisis
As of the time the initial report was compiled, the Bauchi State Police Command had not issued any official statement regarding the attack and abductions. This lack of immediate official response has added to community anxieties about the effectiveness of security measures in the area.
The incident highlights the escalating security challenges facing Bauchi State, where communities continue to face persistent threats from armed bandits and kidnappers. Residents are calling for increased security presence and more proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.
This tragic event serves as another grim reminder of the security crisis affecting many parts of northern Nigeria, where ordinary citizens live in constant fear of violent attacks targeting homes and families.
