…Says mosque attack exposes fallacy of ‘genocidal’ persecution of Christians

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the August 21 terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding the immediate rescue of all captives and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said the attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, which occurred during Jumu’at prayers, represented a grave assault on innocent civilians and the sanctity of worship.

In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on Wednesday, the NSCIA said the attack on Dekara was particularly horrifying, alleging that terrorists invaded the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

It said about 30 people were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, some of them life-threatening, with dozens still being held captive.

The council described the incident as “a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear.”

The NSCIA also faulted narratives portraying insecurity in parts of the country as a genocidal campaign against Christians, arguing that the Borgu attack demonstrated the need for a collective response to terrorism irrespective of religious affiliation.

The Council said: “This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much-needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge.”

The council expressed concern over the repeated attacks on Dekara and neighbouring communities, noting that the latest incident was reportedly the third major attack in recent memory.

According to the NSCIA, previous attacks had forced entire populations to abandon their ancestral homes and relocate to host communities in Niger and Kwara states, as well as across Nigeria’s border into the Republic of Benin.

The council also linked the latest attacks to the security challenges around the Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding forest corridors, which it said had been exploited by terrorists as operational and hostage-holding bases.

It recalled that on August 5, Nigerian security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

The rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa.

The NSCIA said the rescue operation demonstrated what security forces could achieve when provided with adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political backing.

It, however, warned that the renewed attacks raised questions about the sustainability of the gains recorded.

“Therefore, the NSCIA urges the Federal Government to move beyond episodic rescue operations and develop a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture capable of preventing terrorists from repeatedly returning to vulnerable communities.”

The council demanded an immediate and comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger and Kwara states and adjoining border communities, particularly areas around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors.

It further called for the immediate mobilisation of all available resources to locate and rescue every person still being held captive following the August 21 attacks.

“The rescue of these victims must be treated as an urgent national priority,” the council said.
The NSCIA urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms and coordinated ground operations, insisting that forests and difficult terrains being used as terrorist sanctuaries could no longer be treated as inaccessible.

It also called for adequate equipment, motivation and logistical support for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities.

The council urged state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, while calling for greater protection of residents who provide actionable intelligence.

It further advocated the proper regulation and integration of community vigilante structures operating within the law into broader early-warning and civilian protection mechanisms.

The NSCIA called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and other relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

The council condoled with families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured, while urging families of those still in captivity not to lose hope.

“Nigerians have every right to demand security, justice and accountability from those entrusted with protecting them,” the council said, urging Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast.
“Let us be resolute and not be subdued by terror,” it added.

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