Forum calls for stronger security in Niger communities after gunmen abduct worshippers during Jumu’ah prayers

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has called for the immediate and safe rescue of worshippers and other residents abducted during an attack on a mosque and nearby communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday. He condemned the attack on Kpenya Mosque and the communities of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in Dekara District of Borgu LGA.

According to reports, terrorists invaded the Kpenya Mosque in Gidan-Zana at about 2pm during Jumu’ah prayers and began abducting worshippers. Children, women and elderly people were among those reportedly taken, while some residents fled into a nearby forest to escape.

The forum said it was deeply concerned by the attack, particularly reports that the attackers had planted landmines and abducted more residents to use as bargaining chips.

Abdulaziz expressed sympathy to the Niger State Government and people, especially families of those abducted and those reportedly killed in the attack.

“This barbaric act has left us deeply shocked and saddened. I extend my heartfelt commiserations to the Government and people of Niger State, and most especially to the families of those kidnapped and those reportedly killed in the assault,” he said.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families the strength to bear the loss.

The senator described the targeting of worshippers and defenceless rural communities as cowardly and called for urgent action by security agencies.

He urged the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that all those abducted are released unharmed.

“Targeting innocent worshippers in a mosque and defenceless rural communities is not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith,” Abdulaziz said.

He also called on the Federal Government to provide urgent relief and medical assistance to residents affected by the attack, while increasing security around Borgu and other border communities.

Beyond the immediate response, the NSF chairman urged the Federal Government to review the security architecture in Niger State and across the North-Central region to prevent similar attacks.

“There is also a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the entire North Central to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

Abdulaziz reaffirmed the solidarity of the Northern Senators Forum with the people of Niger State, saying northern lawmakers would continue to work with the Federal Government and state governments to restore peace across the region.

Source: The Punch