THE Niger State Government has condemned the reported attack on Gidan-Zana and Kpenya communities in Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area, describing the abduction of worshippers during Friday prayers as a grave and unacceptable assault on the peace and security of the state.
The state government, in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu, in Minna, said preliminary reports from security agencies indicated that suspected terrorists invaded the communities on Friday, August 21, 2026.
According to the statement, the attackers stormed the Kpenya Mosque during Juma’at prayers and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers, while others reportedly escaped into surrounding areas.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed deep concern over the incident and directed relevant authorities to work closely with security agencies to secure the safe recovery of the abducted persons and restore normalcy to the affected communities.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Niger State residents, stressing that the government would not relent in its efforts to prevent criminal elements from undermining peace across the state.
The government said a joint security operation had been mobilised to the affected area to assess the situation, track the perpetrators and facilitate the rescue of the abducted persons.
It added that, due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing operation, details of the movement and deployment of security personnel would not be disclosed.
The state government further acknowledged that the exact number of persons abducted and other details surrounding the incident were still being verified.
It therefore urged residents, particularly those in the affected communities, to refrain from circulating unverified reports, casualty figures and speculative accounts capable of heightening public anxiety or compromising ongoing security operations.
Governor Bago commended the courage and resilience of the people of Borgu and assured residents that the security and safety of Nigerlites remained a foremost priority of his administration.
The government also disclosed that it was strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms and community-based security coordination, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with credible information that could assist the ongoing operations.
Residents were also advised to avoid unnecessary movement into areas identified as security-sensitive until the situation was brought under control.
The government condemned in the strongest terms the targeting of innocent citizens and places of worship, reiterating that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality would not be allowed to threaten the peace, unity and development of Niger State.
The state government assured the people that it remained firmly engaged with security agencies and would continue to provide the necessary support within its constitutional responsibilities to safeguard lives and property.