By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) expressed deep anguish over the incident, describing it as alarming and unacceptable. In a statement issued on behalf of the association, its chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, said the abduction was unprecedented in the region’s history.
According to the association, this is the first time members of three different Christian denominations were reportedly abducted on the same day while attending church services.
The leaders noted that the Kajuru incident adds to a growing list of unresolved kidnappings across Southern Kaduna. They pointed to communities in Kauru, Kachia and other vulnerable areas, where families continue to live in distress over the fate of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted persons. It also urged decisive action to halt the recurring cycle of kidnappings in the region.
As a spiritual response, SKCLA announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme anchored on Psalm 57:2–3. The exercise, the group said, will begin on Friday and conclude with 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,” Apostle Dr Kure said. He added that the initiative reflects uncommon unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment.
Furthermore, the association appealed to Christians in Southern Kaduna and beyond to participate fully in the programme. It also called on the wider Nigerian society to show solidarity with affected communities, particularly families of victims in Kajuru, Kauru, Kachia and other flashpoints.
“We will not be silent in the face of evil, neither will we lose hope,” the statement said. “We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property.”
