The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has strongly condemned the abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the association’s chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the group expressed deep concern over the attack, noting that it marked the first time worshippers from three different Christian denominations were kidnapped simultaneously during church services in Southern Kaduna.
Kure said the incident had worsened the already fragile security situation in the region, pointing out that several previous abductions in communities across Kauru, Kachia and other parts of Southern Kaduna were yet to be resolved.
He lamented that many families remained in distress and uncertainty over the whereabouts of their loved ones, adding that repeated attacks had continued to spread fear and insecurity among residents.
The association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers, urging decisive action to halt the recurring cases of kidnapping in the area.
As part of a spiritual response, the group announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna.
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According to the statement, the exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3; will begin on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions across churches in the region on Sunday.
“This call to fasting and prayer represents a collective cry to God for mercy, protection and the safe return of our brothers and sisters held in captivity,” Kure said.
He added that the initiative reflected an uncommon level of unity among Christians of different denominations at a critical time for Southern Kaduna.
The association further urged Christians within and outside the region to participate in the exercise and appealed to Nigerians to stand in solidarity with communities affected by kidnappings, particularly in Kajuru, Kauru and Kachia local government areas.
“We refuse to remain silent in the face of evil, and we will not lose hope. While we trust God for divine intervention, we will continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those responsible for protecting lives and property,” the statement added.
