• CAN seeks increased security at places of worship

Suspected kidnappers have reportedly killed three villagers and abducted a traditional title holder in Chiromawa community of Garuna Malam Local Council Area of Kano State, Yusuf NadaboChiromawa.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the community on Saturday night, shooting sporadically into the air and forcing residents to scamper for safety.

In the meantime, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for increased security presence at places of worship, particularly during Friday Jumu’atprayers and Sunday services, following the recent mass abduction of worshippers in Borgu Local Council Area of the state.

The CAN Chairman and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, BulusYohanna, made the call yesterday in his homily at St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.

Confirming the Garuna Malam attack to newsmen, the council chairman, Aminu Kadawa, said the assailants killed three and injured five. He also confirmed Chiromawa’s abduction during an attack on the community, saying that it lasted for several hours.

According to Kadawa, some security personnel have been deployed to the area to track down the attackers and secure the release of the abducted Sarkin Noma.

Nevertheless, Yohanna said the entire Borgu Emirate, including the Borgu and Agwara councils, requires a strong and permanent security presence to protect residents, particularly those in rural communities, enabling them to “live without fear of being abducted.”

Condemning the abduction of the Muslim worshippers, the cleric insisted that an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of religion, is an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to the wider community.

He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, stating that Christians and churches across the state had intensified prayers for the abductees’ safe return.