The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has condemned in strong terms the recent abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as tragic, disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the Association said the kidnapping was unprecedented in the history of Southern Kaduna, noting that it was the first time worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted in a single day during church services.
The Christian leaders expressed deep concern that the Kajuru incident has added to the growing number of unresolved abductions across Southern Kaduna, particularly in Kauru, Kachia and other vulnerable communities, where families have continued to live in anguish over the fate of their loved ones.
The Association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted in Kajuru, while also taking decisive steps to halt the recurring spate of kidnappings in the region.
As a spiritual response to the crisis, the SKCLA announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna. Apostle Dr Kure said the exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, would commence on Friday and culminate in a special prayer session in all 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,” the statement said, adding that it reflected rare unity among Christians of different denominations at a critical moment.
The Association urged Christians in Southern Kaduna and beyond to participate fully in the fasting and prayer, while appealing to the wider Nigerian society to stand in 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. We trust God for divine intervention and continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement concluded.
