The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the recent terrorist attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, calling for the immediate rescue of victims still held captive.
The attacks, which occurred on August 21, affected Gbeji, Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities. The NSCIA said scores of residents were killed, injured or abducted, including more than 60 Muslim worshippers reportedly taken from a mosque during Jumu’at prayers in Dekara.
The Islamic body described the attack on the mosque as a grave violation of the sanctity of worship and the right of citizens to practise their faith without fear.
The NSCIA also rejected narratives portraying Nigeria’s insecurity as violence directed exclusively against Christians, arguing that the Borgu attack demonstrated that terrorists target Nigerians across religious lines.
It warned that framing the security crisis along religious lines could undermine collective efforts to tackle terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.
The council urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, particularly around forest areas used by terrorists as hideouts.
It further called for an immediate review of security arrangements in Niger, Kwara and adjoining communities, while urging authorities to mobilise all available resources to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
The NSCIA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, state governments, traditional rulers and community leaders to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency and strengthen cooperation to prevent further attacks.
The council expressed condolences to families of those killed, prayed for the injured and urged families of abducted victims not to lose hope.
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