Niger Mosque Attack: Amnesty Calls for Immediate Rescue of Abducted Worshippers

Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to make the rescue of worshippers abducted during a mosque attack in Niger State an immediate priority.

The organisation said suspected terrorists invaded Kpenya Mosque in Borgu Local Government Area during Friday prayers on August 21 and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.

Local residents, however, told authorities that more than 80 people might have been taken during the assault.

The Niger State Government has confirmed the attack but said it was still working to establish the precise number of victims.

According to the state government, the attackers targeted Gidan-Zana and Kpenya communities, forcing some residents to flee to surrounding areas.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Obed Nana said security personnel had been deployed to assess the situation and pursue the attackers.

He said authorities would avoid releasing sensitive operational information that could undermine efforts to rescue the victims.

Amnesty said the attack was particularly disturbing because it occurred inside a place of worship while people were observing Friday prayers.

The rights group warned that people who survive mass abductions in Nigeria have previously described conditions involving torture, starvation and other forms of abuse.

It called for immediate action to ensure the safe return of those taken from the mosque and urged the government to improve protection for vulnerable rural communities.

The attack adds to mounting security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly along the corridor around Borgu, Kainji Lake National Park and the Niger-Kebbi border area.