Niger abduction: CAN demands security at worship centres

From John Adams, Minna

Following the mass abduction of Muslim worshippers during Friday Jumu’at prayers in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called on the government to provide adequate security at places of worship across the state.

The Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made the appeal in a homily at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral Church, Kontagora, yesterday, stressing the urgent need for government to secure worship centres, particularly during Friday Jumu’at prayers and Sunday services.

His appeal followed the abduction of an unspecified number of worshippers from mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana, all in Borgu Local Government Area, during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.

About 30 other worshippers who attempted to escape during the invasion were reportedly shot dead by the gunmen.

According to the clergyman, the entire Borgu Emirate, comprising Agwara and Borgu local government areas, requires a strong and permanent security presence to enable residents of rural communities to live without fear of attacks.

He condemned in strong terms the abduction of hundreds of Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers, describing the attack as “barbaric and sheer wickedness.”

Bishop Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of the religion being practised, constituted an attack on the sanctity of worship and posed a threat to the wider community.

“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.

“And as a body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities,” he said.

The CAN chairman also called on Christians across the state to intensify prayers for the safe return of the abducted Muslim worshippers.

He said Christians could not remain indifferent to the plight of their Muslim neighbours, stressing that the security and wellbeing of all citizens must be treated as a collective responsibility.

He urged the government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering around worship centres, particularly those located in vulnerable rural communities.

Bishop Yohanna said the latest attack had further underscored the need for sustained security operations in the Borgu Emirate and other parts of Niger State facing threats from criminal elements.

He appealed to the government to ensure that worshippers are able to observe their religious obligations without fear of attacks, kidnapping or killings.