The Christian body called for tighter security around mosques and churches following the abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Government Area.
The state CAN chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Yohanna, made the call during his homily at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, on Sunday.
Suspected terrorists abducted several worshippers and residents from communities in Dekara District, including Kpenya, Gidan-Zana and Sabon-Gida, during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Bishop Yohanna said the entire Borgu Emirate, comprising Borgu and Agwara LGAs, needed a strong and sustained security presence, particularly in rural communities.
He condemned the attack and said an assault on any place of worship, regardless of religion, threatened the wider community.
CAN expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and said Christians across the state were praying for the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
Bishop Yohanna also commended the Federal and Niger State Governments and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.
Meanwhile, security agencies have deployed tactical and counter-terrorism teams, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, as part of a military-led operation ordered by President Bola Tinubu to rescue the abductees and track down the attackers.
The Niger State Government said no contact had been established with the abductors as of its latest update.