NSCIA demands rescue of 60 worshippers abducted during Niger mosque attack

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Wednesday demanded the immediate rescue of more than 60 worshippers abducted when terrorists invaded a mosque during Jumu’at prayers in Dekara, Borgu local government area of Niger state.

The NSCIA, in a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, condemned the August 21 attack on four Borgu communities, Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara.

The council said about 30 people were killed in the attacks, while several others sustained life-threatening injuries.

The council described the attack on the Central Mosque in Dekara as particularly horrifying, saying the terrorists abducted more than 60 worshippers while they were observing the Friday congregational prayers.

The NSCIA said the incident was not only an assault on innocent civilians but also a violation of the sanctity of worship and the right of Nigerians to practice their faith without fear.

It urged the federal government to treat the attack as a national emergency and mobilise all available resources to locate and rescue those still in captivity.

The council also called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements in Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists as operational and hostage-holding bases.

The NSCIA urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms and coordinated ground operations, stating that forests and difficult terrains used as terrorist sanctuaries must no longer be regarded as inaccessible.

It further called on the government to adequately equip and support security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities, while urging traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies.

The council recalled that Nigerian security forces had, on August 5, reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest, including 163 victims abducted from Woro in Kwara state and 145 from communities in Borgu, Niger state.

It said the latest attack, coming barely three weeks after the rescue operation, raised concerns about the sustainability of security gains in the area.

The NSCIA also rejected the characterisation of insecurity in Nigeria as exclusively targeting Christians, saying the killing and abduction of Muslims in Borgu demonstrated the need for a united national response to terrorism.