Residents of Maru in Zamfara State are in mourning following reports that their Chief Imam, Alkali Salisu Suleiman, his two sons, and a grandchild, were killed while in captivity after being abducted by bandits.

The revelation came from a female abductee who recently escaped and informed the community of the deaths.

?There are conflicting reports about the timing of his death-some say before Ramadan, others say just before Sallah. Nine of his family members were taken. Five remain unaccounted for,? a source told Daily Trust.

Suleiman, a retired Shari?ah court judge, was among over 20 people kidnapped two months ago in a raid on Maru. Victims included a newlywed couple celebrating their marriage.

At the time of the abduction, the chief imam was reportedly ill. His captors requested medicine and clothing, which were delivered by his family.

?It is unclear whether he died from illness or was executed,? a source added.

It was gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded N20 million, but the family managed to raise N11 million. Other demands included a new motorcycle and food supplies.

Resident said the escaped woman informed the community of the deaths on Monday, prompting a funeral prayer in absentia on Tuesday, in line with Islamic tradition.

When contacted, Zamfara Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar said he had not yet received official confirmation regarding the deaths of the chief imam and his family members. (Daily Trust)

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