The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has condemned the abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as shocking, unacceptable and a dangerous indicator of worsening insecurity in the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the association said the attack marked an unprecedented moment in the history of Southern Kaduna, as worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day while attending church services.
Kure said the Kajuru incident had further exposed the fragile security situation in Southern Kaduna, noting that several abduction cases in Kauru, Kachia and other communities remained unresolved.
According to him, the sustained wave of kidnappings has left many families traumatised and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones, while fear continues to spread across communities.
“The pain and anxiety being endured by families whose loved ones are still in captivity cannot be overstated,” Kure said, warning that the recurring attacks posed a serious threat to peace, stability and coexistence in the region.
The association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to take urgent and decisive action to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers and to bring an end to the cycle of kidnappings in Southern Kaduna.
As part of its response, the group announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme to seek the safe return of all abducted persons across the region.
The statement said the exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, will commence on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions in churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.
“This call to fasting and prayer is a united cry to God for mercy, protection and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity,” Kure said.
He added that the initiative reflected an uncommon show of unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment for Southern Kaduna.
The association also 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 will not be silent in the face of evil, neither will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, while continuing to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement said.
