The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called for increased security around places of worship, particularly during Friday Jumu’at prayers and Sunday services, following the mass abduction of worshippers and residents in Borgu Local Government Area.
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 appeal followed the abduction of worshippers and residents from several communities in Borgu LGA during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Suspected terrorists reportedly attacked rural communities in the Dekara District, including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana, with worshippers allegedly abducted from mosques while prayers were ongoing.
Footage that emerged after the attack showed numerous captives, including women, children and elderly people, being taken into a forest.
Bishop Yohanna said the entire Borgu Emirate, including Borgu and Agwara LGAs, needed a strong and permanent security presence, particularly 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 condemned the abduction of the Muslim worshippers and called for stronger protection around places of worship, stressing that attacks on religious sites threaten the wider community regardless of faith.
“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.”
The CAN chairman expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, adding that Christians and churches across Niger State had intensified 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.
Bishop Yohanna commended the Federal and Niger State Governments, as well as security agencies, for their efforts to secure the release of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators’ Forum has raised concerns over reports that terrorists were planting landmines around the affected area while allegedly using abducted residents as bargaining chips.
Following the attack, the Federal and Niger State Governments have mobilised security and emergency resources, while President Bola Tinubu directed an immediate military-led coordinated operation to locate the attackers and rescue 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 his administration was working with security and intelligence agencies to address the situation.
The state Ministry of Information also reported that no contact had been established with the abductors as of its latest update.
