The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called for tighter security around places of worship following the abduction of Muslim worshippers during Friday prayers in Borgu Local Government Area.
The state CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, made the appeal during his homily at St Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, on Sunday.
Yohanna urged security agencies to increase their presence around churches and mosques, particularly during periods of congregational worship such as Friday Juma’at prayers and Sunday services.
His appeal followed an attack on worshippers in the Dekara area of Borgu during Friday prayers on August 21. Suspected terrorists reportedly invaded communities including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana and Sabon-Gida, abducting worshippers alongside other residents.
The CAN chairman said the security situation in the Borgu Emirate required urgent attention, particularly in communities located in rural areas.
“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,” Yohanna said.
He condemned the attack and stressed that religious centres must remain protected spaces for people of all faiths.
“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,” he said.
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Yohanna expressed sympathy with those affected by the incident and their relatives, while calling on Christians to pray for the safe release of the abducted worshippers.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government, Niger State Government and security agencies in their ongoing attempts to secure the victims’ release.
The latest incident has heightened concerns about the safety of worshippers and residents in parts of Niger State, especially communities located near the state’s border areas.