Northern Senators Condemn Borgu Attack, Demand Quick Release Of Abductees

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF), has condemned the recent terrorist attack in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which reportedly led to the abduction of hundreds of worshippers at Kpenya Mosque.

The senators, in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable.

They called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the abductors and secure the immediate and safe release of all those taken hostage.

The forum said the abductions occurred last Friday after Jumat prayers at Kpenya Mosque, as well as in some villages in Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in the Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area.

“Targeting innocent worshippers in a mosque and defenseless rural communities is not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith,” the senators said.

They expressed particular concern over reports that terrorists had planted landmines in the affected areas and carried out further abductions to use victims as bargaining chips.

“Reports of landmines being planted and further abductions to serve as bargaining chips are deeply troubling and unacceptable,” the statement added.

The senators urged the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations and ensure that the abductees are brought home safely.

They also called on the federal government to provide urgent relief and medical assistance to affected communities, while deploying additional security personnel to Borgu and other vulnerable border communities.

According to the Northern Senators Forum, the situation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and across the North-Central region to prevent further attacks.

“The Northern Senators Forum stands in full solidarity with the people of Niger State,” they said.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Presidency and state governments to restore peace, protect lives and safeguard the dignity of citizens across Northern Nigeria and the country at large.