Northern senators demand FG rescue worshippers abducted in Niger State

The Northern Senators Forum has strongly condemned a recent attack in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where gunmen abducted worshippers from Kpenya Mosque and surrounding communities during Friday prayers. The forum is demanding the Federal Government's immediate intervention to ensure the safe release of all abducted individuals.

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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.

Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, Chairman of the forum, expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident, extending condolences to the government and people of Niger State, particularly the families affected. He described the targeting of worshippers and rural communities as cowardly and an affront to shared humanity and faith.

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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.

The senators are calling for an intensified rescue operation by the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services. They also urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the affected areas and conduct a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the broader North-Central region to prevent future attacks.

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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.

Reports indicate that the attackers planted landmines and abducted more residents to use as bargaining chips, a development the forum finds deeply troubling and unacceptable. The forum stressed the need for urgent action to reinforce security around Borgu and other border communities, and to provide relief and medical assistance to those affected by the assault.

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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.