Dare Babalola
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association on Thursday condemned the recent abduction of 177 people in Kaduna State’s Kajuru Local Government Area, calling it alarming and unacceptable.
The association made its position known on Thursday in a statement signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure.
Kure expressed deep anguish over the attack, noting that it was the first time in the history of Southern Kaduna that worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day during church services.
Kure stated that the Kajuru incident had worsened Southern Kaduna’s insecurity, noting that several abductions in Kauru, Kachia, and other areas remain unresolved.
He noted that many families in affected areas remain in pain and uncertainty about their loved ones’ fate, saying the attacks keep instilling fear among residents.
The association called on Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the worshippers’ immediate release, urging decisive action to end kidnappings in the region.
The association announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons in Southern Kaduna, as part of a spiritual response to the crisis.
According to the statement, the fasting exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, will commence on Friday and conclude with a special prayer session 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 a rare show of unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment for the region.
The association also called on Christians within and outside Southern Kaduna to participate in the exercise and appealed to Nigerians to show 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 added.
