Borgu abduction: Niger CAN wants tighter security around worship centres

The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on relevant authorities to strengthen security around places of worship across the state to prevent a recurrence of the recent abduction of Muslim worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area.

The association said the deployment of adequate security personnel to worship centres had become necessary following the coordinated attack on five communities, in which hundreds of Muslim worshippers were abducted while observing Friday congregational prayers.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 21, in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon Gida, Maciyan Gyada and Gidan Zana communities of Borgu Local Government Area.

The State Chairman of CAN, Most Rev. Dr Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made the call in a homily delivered on Sunday at St Michael Catholic Cathedral Church, Kontagora.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, stressed the need to protect worshippers irrespective of their religious affiliation.

He also condemned in strong terms the abduction of the Muslim worshippers, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

According to him, “As a body, we have set aside today (Sunday) to call on all Christians and churches across Niger State to use this Sunday service to cry to God and to pray specifically for the safe return of the abductees and for God to help our security agencies.

“And as a body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities.

“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.