By Henry Umoru
ABUJA: Senators from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum, NSF, have called on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of persons abducted in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The senators also called for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the North-Central region to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
The NSF condemned the attack on Kpenya Mosque and the villages of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in Dekara District, Borgu LGA, which reportedly led to the abduction of worshippers and residents on August 22, 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, APC, Katsina Central, urged the Federal Government to provide urgent relief, medical support and additional security reinforcement to affected communities in Borgu and other border areas.
Yar’Adua said the Forum was deeply concerned by the attack and extended its condolences to the government and people of Niger State, particularly families of those abducted and those reportedly killed.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased and strength for their families.
“Targeting innocent worshippers in a mosque and defenceless rural communities is not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith,” he said.
Yar’Adua said reports of landmines allegedly being planted and further abductions to serve as bargaining chips were particularly troubling.
“We therefore call on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and all relevant security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations and ensure the immediate and safe release of all those abducted,” he said.
The NSF chairman also urged the Federal Government to provide urgent assistance to affected communities while strengthening security around vulnerable communities and border areas.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the wider North-Central region to address emerging threats and prevent further attacks.
“The Northern Senators Forum stands in full solidarity with the people of Niger State. We reaffirm our commitment to work with the Presidency and state governments to restore peace, protect lives, and uphold the dignity of our people across Northern Nigeria and the country at large,” Yar’Adua said.
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