Insecurity: Niger CAN Calls for Tighter Security at All Places of Worship

The Christian Association of Nigeria has called for stronger security at places of worship across Niger State after an unknown number of Muslim worshippers were abducted from a mosque in Dekira, in the Borgu emirate.

The appeal came from the association’s state chairman, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, during a homily at St Michael’s Catholic Cathedral in Minna. The service included prayers for the release of those kidnapped by bandits and terrorists more than a week earlier.

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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.

Yohanna said an attack on one religious site threatened the wider community. “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.

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As a Body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities.

He said Christians stood with the victims and their families, adding that churches across the state had intensified prayers. “As a Body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities,” Yohanna said.

The bishop of Kontagora Diocese urged authorities to establish a strong and permanent security presence across the Borgu Emirate, including Borgu and Agwara local government areas. He said rural residents needed protection from abductions and called on the federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to intensify efforts to secure the worshippers’ release.

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We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already.