The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called for a permanent security presence across places of worship in the state following the abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area.
The call was made on Sunday, August 30, by the CAN Chairman in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, during his homily at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.
The bishop’s appeal followed the abduction of worshippers and residents from communities in Borgu during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Suspected terrorists reportedly attacked communities in Dekara District, including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana and Sabon-Gida, taking away worshippers from mosques while prayers were underway.
Footage that emerged after the incident showed several captives, including women, children and elderly people, being led into a forest.
Yohanna said the security situation required a sustained response, particularly in rural communities across the Borgu Emirate.
“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 attack on Muslim worshippers, stressing that places of worship must remain protected regardless of religious affiliation.
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“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 stepped up prayers for the safe return of those abducted.
He also urged Christians and other residents to use Sunday services to pray for the victims and security personnel involved in the rescue operation.
“We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already,” he said.
Yohanna commended the Federal and Niger State Governments, alongside security agencies, for their efforts to rescue the abducted residents.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum expressed concern over reports that terrorists were planting landmines around the affected communities while holding the abducted residents as bargaining chips.
Following the attack, the Federal and Niger State Governments mobilised security and emergency resources to the area.
President Bola Tinubu also directed an immediate, military-led coordinated operation to locate the attackers and secure the release of the victims.
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed tactical teams, counter-terrorism personnel, the Special Intervention Squad and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units to support the operation.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago condemned the attack as “barbaric” and said his administration was working with security and intelligence agencies to tackle the situation.
The state Ministry of Information, however, said no contact had been established with the abductors as of its latest update.