The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State has called for stronger security around churches and mosques following the abduction of Muslim worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area.
Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger State and Catholic bishop of Kontagora Diocese, made the call during his homily at St Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, on Sunday.
According to Channels TV, Yohanna urged security agencies to increase protection around places of worship, especially during Friday Juma’at prayers and Sunday services.
His call followed the abduction of worshippers in Dekara district of Borgu during Friday prayers on August 21.
Suspected terrorists reportedly attacked communities including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana and Sabon-Gida, abducting worshippers and other residents.
Yohanna said the Borgu Emirate, comprising Borgu and Agwara LGAs, needs a 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,” Yohanna said.
He condemned the attack, stressing that places of worship should remain safe regardless of the religion of those gathered there.
“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.
The CAN chairman sympathised with the victims and their families and urged Christians to pray for the safe return of those abducted.
He also commended the federal and Niger State governments, as well as security agencies, for efforts to rescue the victims.
The abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of worshippers and residents in parts of Niger State, particularly communities close to the state’s border areas.
