Terrorism: NSCIA Condemns Niger Attacks, Demands Rescue of Abducted Worshippers

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has condemned the terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding urgent action to rescue those abducted.

The attacks reportedly affected Gbeji, also known as Gidan-Zana, Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara, leaving scores of residents dead, injured or abducted.

In a statement signed by the NSCIA Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, and circulated among journalists on Wednesday, the council said it was deeply disturbed by the violence.

The council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described the attacks as a brutal assault on defenceless communities.

According to the statement, the attack on Dekara was particularly disturbing because terrorists reportedly invaded the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

The council said reports indicated that about 30 people were killed, while several others sustained injuries, some reportedly life-threatening. Dozens of victims were also said to remain in captivity.

The NSCIA described the invasion of the mosque and abduction of worshippers as a heinous act against innocent Nigerians and a serious violation of the sanctity of worship.

It stressed that citizens should be able to practise their faith without fear of violence or abduction.

The council also argued that the attacks demonstrated the danger of framing Nigeria’s insecurity solely as violence against Christians, noting that Muslims have also suffered heavily from terrorism and banditry.

It called for collective national action against terrorists and questioned how long innocent Nigerians would continue to be killed and abducted in their communities.

The NSCIA further expressed concern that the latest attacks occurred only weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

According to the council, the August 5 operation involved the rescue of 163 people abducted from Woro in Kwara State and 145 others from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The council said the successful rescue operation demonstrated what security forces could achieve when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will were available.

However, it warned that the renewed attacks raised serious concerns about the sustainability of recent security gains.

The NSCIA urged the government to intensify efforts to rescue all captives, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.