Abduction of 177 worshippers sparks anger, prayer call in Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has strongly denounced the abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as disturbing and wholly unacceptable.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, and made available on Thursday, the association expressed profound distress over the attack, noting that it marked an unprecedented development in the history of Southern Kaduna.

According to Kure, this was the first time worshippers from three different Christian denominations were kidnapped on the same day while attending church services, a situation he said underscored the worsening security crisis in the region.

He said the Kajuru incident had deepened the sense of fear and uncertainty already gripping Southern Kaduna, adding that numerous cases of abduction in communities across Kauru, Kachia and other parts of the area had yet to be resolved.

Kure lamented that many affected families were still traumatised and unsure of the fate of their relatives, stressing that the persistent attacks had continued to disrupt community life and erode public confidence in security.

The association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to act swiftly to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers, while also taking decisive steps to halt the recurring wave of kidnappings.

As a spiritual response to the situation, the association announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons in Southern Kaduna.

According to the statement, the programme, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, will begin on Friday and culminate in a special prayer session in churches across the region 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 symbolised an uncommon display 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 take part in the exercise, while appealing 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 added.