The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the August 21 terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, demanding the immediate rescue of all victims still in captivity.

The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara as “heinous and barbaric”, saying scores of innocent civilians were killed, injured or abducted.

The attack occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest.

The rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA expressed particular concern over the attack on Dekara, where terrorists reportedly invaded the Central Mosque during Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

It added that about 30 people were killed, while many others sustained injuries, some reportedly life-threatening, with dozens of victims still in captivity.

The Council said the invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers was a grave assault on innocent Nigerians, the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear.

The NSCIA also rejected the perception that insecurity in parts of the country was exclusively targeted at Christians, arguing that the attack on Muslim worshippers demonstrated the need for a collective approach to combating terrorism.

“These wanton violence, relentless bloodletting and deadly violations are utterly unacceptable. How long would innocent Nigerians continue to be abducted and killed while terrorists operate with such audacity?” the Council asked.

It further noted that the latest attack was reportedly the third major assault on Dekara and neighbouring communities in recent times, adding that previous attacks had forced residents to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in other parts of Niger and Kwara states, as well as across the border in the Republic of Benin.

While commending the security forces, the NSCIA said the renewed attacks raised concerns about the sustainability of the gains recorded.

The Council urged the Federal Government to move beyond episodic rescue operations and establish a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture to prevent terrorists from repeatedly returning to vulnerable communities.

It called for an immediate review of security arrangements across Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly used by terrorists as operational and hostage-holding bases.

The NSCIA also urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, stressing that forests and difficult terrains used as terrorist sanctuaries should no longer be treated as inaccessible.

“There should be adequate equipment, motivation and logistical support for security personnel deployed to vulnerable areas. Also, state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and communities should strengthen cooperation with security agencies and protect residents who provide actionable intelligence.”

The NSCIA called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior, and relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

The Council commiserated with families of those killed, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged families of abducted victims not to lose hope.

It also called on Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast in their faith and resolute in the face of terrorism. (Guardian)