Northern Senators Forum demands urgent rescue after Niger mosque attack

The Northern Senators Forum has urged the Nigerian government to urgently rescue residents abducted during an attack on a mosque and nearby communities in Niger State.

The senators also called for the immediate deployment of more security personnel to the affected areas. They warned that authorities must strengthen security measures across Niger State and the North-Central region to prevent further attacks.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum’s chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, condemned the assault on Kpenya Mosque and the nearby communities of Gidan-Zana and Kpenya in Dekara District.

According to the forum, the attackers struck during Jumat prayers. They reportedly stormed the mosque at about 2pm and abducted worshippers who had gathered for prayers.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of rural communities in Niger State, particularly areas vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.

The Northern Senators Forum said the government must treat the rescue operation as an urgent priority. It also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the abducted residents and return them safely to their families.

The senators further called for a review of security arrangements across the state and the wider North-Central region.

They argued that deploying more personnel could help security agencies respond faster to attacks and protect vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, the call comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out attacks, kidnappings and other forms of violence.

For affected families, however, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their loved ones.

The Northern Senators Forum therefore urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly and prevent the attack from becoming another unresolved case of mass abduction.