The recent abduction of worshippers and residents in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has prompted the Northern Senators Forum to demand immediate action by the Federal Government to secure their release.
The forum called for intensified rescue operations, increased deployment of security personnel and a comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger State and the wider North-Central region.
The incident occurred at Kpenya Mosque and neighbouring communities of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in Dekara District, where terrorists reportedly invaded during Jumat prayers at about 2 p.m. and abducted worshippers.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the attack and expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of rural communities in the area.
Women, children and elderly residents were reportedly among those abducted, while some villagers escaped into a nearby forest.
Yar’Adua said the forum was particularly concerned by reports that the attackers had planted landmines and taken additional residents hostage as bargaining chips.
“This barbaric act has left us deeply shocked and saddened”, he said.
The senator described the attack on worshippers and vulnerable rural communities as cowardly.
“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 stated.
Yar’Adua further urged the government to provide urgent relief and medical assistance to affected residents while strengthening security around Borgu and other border communities.
