Niger CAN urges enhanced security at places of worship

Niger CAN urges enhanced security at places of worship

…As Churches Pray for Safe Return of Abducted Worshippers

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has called for enhanced security presence at places of worship, particularly during Friday Jumu’at prayers and Sunday church services.

The Chairman of CAN in the state, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made the call in a homily on Sunday at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, following the abduction of an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers in parts of Borgu Local Government Area.

The worshippers were reportedly abducted from mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said there was an urgent need for a stronger and permanent security presence across the Borgu Emirate, particularly in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas.

He said such a measure would enable residents of rural communities to carry out their daily activities without the fear of being abducted.

“The whole of Borgu Emirate, which includes Agwara and Borgu LGAs, needs a strong and permanent security presence so that those in the rural communities can live without fear of being abducted,” he said.

The CAN chairman condemned in strong terms the abduction of the Muslim worshippers during Jumu’at prayers, describing the incident as an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to 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.

“As a body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities,” he said.

Yohanna said Christians and churches across the state had intensified prayers for the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

He said CAN had dedicated the Sunday service to prayers for the safe return of the victims and for divine intervention in the efforts of security agencies.

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

“We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already,” he said.

The bishop also commended the Federal and Niger State Governments, as well as the security agencies, for their efforts so far toward securing the affected communities and rescuing the abducted worshippers.

He urged all stakeholders to sustain their collaboration and intensify efforts until the victims were safely reunited with their families.