- Archbishop Daniel Okoh
By SCM Reporter I Sunday, August 30, 2026
MINNA, Niger State – Following the disturbing mass abduction of worshippers and residents in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, has made a passionate appeal to government authorities and security agencies to scale up armed protection across all religious centres in the state.
The religious body specifically demanded a visible and proactive security presence during peak worship periods, including Friday Jumu’at prayers for Muslims and Sunday services for Christians, to prevent further incursions by armed non-state actors.
In a statement addressing the worsening security situation in the state, the leadership of CAN expressed grave concern over the growing audacity of terrorists and bandits targeting peaceful citizens at their places of worship.
The call by the Christian body comes in the wake of recent tragic incidents in Borgu LGA, where heavily armed men invaded communities.
The attackers stormed worship sites during congregational prayers, killing several individuals and dragging scores of worshippers into nearby forest reserves.
The assault in Borgu represents one of several high-profile mass abductions recorded across the Niger-Kebbi border corridor in recent months.
Armed groups—suspected to be a mix of violent bandits and extremist insurgent factions—have increasingly leveraged vast, unpoliced forest stretches such as the Kainji Lake National Park axis to stage attacks and hold victims hostage.
Interfaith Solidarity and Protection
Stressing that terrorists make no distinction between faiths when carrying out violent raids, CAN highlighted the necessity of unified interfaith protection.
The organization urged the police, the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante units to establish joint security patrols around churches and mosques, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
”Places of worship must remain sacred sanctuaries of peace and spiritual reflection, not soft targets for criminals. We call on the federal and state governments to act swiftly to restore public confidence and protect all worshippers, regardless of their faith,” the association emphasized.
Niger State, the largest state by landmass in Nigeria, has frequently been targeted by armed criminal syndicates and terrorist enclaves due to its expansive terrain and thick forestry connecting neighboring states and international borders.
Over the past two years, the Borgu-Kainji corridor has witnessed escalating security threats. Despite evacuations, military clearance operations, and executive directives issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, rural communities continue to face raids.
The latest incidents have prompted calls from civil rights organizations, lawmakers, and political leaders demanding intelligence-driven rescue operations and emergency repairs to local road infrastructure to allow security personnel to respond quickly to distress calls.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to praying for the safe return of all abducted victims while urging citizens across Niger State to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements.
