The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has condemned the deadly attack on Kpenya Mosque and neighbouring communities in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding the immediate and safe rescue of hundreds of worshippers and residents reportedly abducted by the attackers.
Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, described the attack as a barbaric assault on innocent civilians and urged security agencies to intensify operations to rescue the victims.
The attack, which reportedly occurred on Friday, August 22, 2026, targeted Kpenya Mosque as well as Gidan-Zana and Kpenya communities, with scores of residents and worshippers allegedly taken hostage.
In a statement issued yesterday, Yar’Adua expressed shock and sadness over the incident, commiserating with the government and people of Niger State, particularly families whose relatives were killed or abducted.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those reportedly killed and urged affected families to remain strong in the face of the tragedy.
The NSF chairman condemned the targeting of worshippers and rural residents, describing it as “not only cowardly but an attack on our shared humanity and faith.”
He expressed concern over reports that the attackers had planted landmines around the affected communities and allegedly abducted additional residents to use as bargaining chips.
Yar’Adua described the development as “deeply troubling and unacceptable,” stressing that it required an immediate and coordinated response from the nation’s security agencies.
The forum consequently called on the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the abducted persons.
It, however, urged security operatives to exercise extreme caution during the rescue operation because of reports of landmines allegedly planted in the affected areas.
Beyond the rescue mission, the senators demanded urgent relief and medical assistance for victims and communities affected by the attack.
The forum also called for the deployment of additional security personnel to Borgu and other vulnerable border communities across Niger State to prevent further attacks.
According to the NSF, the incident has highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the security architecture in Niger State and the wider North-Central region.
It said such a review was necessary to identify emerging security threats, strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent a recurrence of attacks on vulnerable communities.
Yar’Adua assured residents of Niger State that northern senators would continue to work with the Presidency and state governments towards restoring peace and improving the protection of lives and property across the region.
“The Northern Senators Forum stands in full solidarity with the people of Niger State,” he said.
The latest attack has further heightened concerns over insecurity in rural and border communities across parts of Northern Nigeria, where residents remain vulnerable to attacks and mass abductions.
For families affected by the Borgu incident, however, the immediate demand remains the safe return of their loved ones, amid renewed pressure on security agencies to accelerate rescue efforts.
