The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called for increased security presence at places of worship, particularly during Friday Jumu’at prayers and Sunday services, following the mass abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The Chairman of CAN in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, made the call during his homily on Sunday at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
His call followed the abduction of a number of worshippers and residents from several communities in Borgu LGA during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to reports, suspected terrorists attacked rural communities in the Dekara District, including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana, with worshippers reportedly abducted from mosques during prayers.
Video footage that surfaced after the attack showed a large number of captives, including women, children and elderly people, being led into a forest.
Bishop Yohanna said the entire Borgu Emirate, including Borgu and Agwara Local Government Areas, required a strong and permanent security presence to protect residents, particularly those in rural communities.
“The whole of Borgu Emirate, which includes Agwara and Borgu LGAs, needs strong and permanent security presence so that those in the rural communities can live without fear of being abducted,” he said.
He condemned the abduction of the Muslim worshippers and urged authorities to strengthen security around places of worship.
“For us, an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of religion, is an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to the wider community.
“As a body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities.”
The CAN chairman said Christians and churches across Niger State had intensified prayers for the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
He urged Christians and other residents to use Sunday services to pray for the victims and the security agencies involved in the rescue efforts.
“We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already,” he said.
Bishop Yohanna also commended the Federal and Niger State Governments, as well as security agencies, for their efforts towards securing the release of the abducted victims.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum has also expressed concern over reports that the terrorists were planting landmines around the area while using the abducted residents as bargaining chips.
In response to the attack, the Federal and Niger State Governments have mobilised security and emergency resources, while President Bola Tinubu directed an immediate, military-led coordinated rescue operation to track the attackers and secure the release of the victims.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, have deployed tactical teams, counter-terrorism units, the Special Intervention Squad and Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel to support the operation.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, condemned the attack as “barbaric” and assured residents that the government was working with security and intelligence agencies to address the crisis.
The state Ministry of Information also said no contact had been established with the abductors as of the time of its latest update.
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