Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua

The Northern Senators Forum has demanded the immediate and safe release of residents abducted by gunmen during an attack on a mosque and surrounding communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The forum also urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the affected communities and review the security architecture in the state and the North-Central region to prevent further attacks.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the attack on Kpenya Mosque and the villages of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in Dekara District of Borgu LGA.

The PUNCH reported on Friday that terrorists reportedly invaded a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, and abducted worshippers during the Jumat prayers.

It was learnt that the terrorists stormed the Kpenya Mosque at about 2 pm and immediately began abducting worshippers.

Children, women, including the elderly, were said to have been abducted during the attack, while some residents fled into a nearby forest to escape.

The senator said the forum was deeply concerned by the incident, particularly reports that the attackers had planted landmines and abducted more residents to use as bargaining chips.

He said, “This barbaric act has left us deeply shocked and saddened. I extend my heartfelt commiserations to the Government and people of Niger State, and most especially to the families of those kidnapped and those reportedly killed in the assault.

“I pray to Almighty Allah to grant the departed eternal rest and to grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”

Yar’Adua described the targeting of worshippers and rural communities as cowardly, stressing the need for urgent action by security agencies.

The NSF chairman called on the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure the victims were released unharmed.

“Targeting innocent worshippers in a mosque and defenceless rural communities is not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith. Reports of landmines being planted and further abductions to serve as bargaining chips are deeply troubling and unacceptable.

“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.

The senator further urged the FG to provide urgent relief and medical assistance to affected residents while reinforcing security around Borgu and other border communities.

He said, “Furthermore, I urge the Federal Government to provide urgent relief, medical support and enhanced security reinforcement to affected communities in Borgu LGA and across our border areas.

“There is also a pressing need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the entire North Central to prevent a recurrence.”

The senator reaffirmed the forum’s solidarity with the people of the state, saying the northern lawmakers would continue to work with the FG and state governments to restore peace across the region.