Amnesty demands rescue of worshippers abducted in Niger mosque attack
Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to rescue worshippers abducted from a mosque in Niger State. Local reports suggest over 80 people were taken during the attack, prompting a government-led security operation.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing security crisis and the vulnerability of rural communities to mass abductions in northern Nigeria.
Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe rescue of worshippers abducted at a mosque during the Muslim Friday prayers in Kpenya, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The rights organisation said in a statement published on its verified social media handle that an unspecified number of worshippers were abducted during the attack on 21 August, while residents claimed that more than 80 people may have been taken.
Amnesty urged the Nigerian authorities to act urgently to secure the victims’ release and address the growing wave of abductions targeting rural communities across northern Nigeria.
The organisation said the incident was particularly concerning because the victims were abducted while observing Friday prayers, adding that survivors of previous mass abductions had reported torture, starvation, sexual violence, amputation and being forced to witness or participate in atrocities.
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