Southern Kaduna Christian leaders announce two days fast, demand swift action over Kajuru kidnapping

By Ahmed A. Usman, Kafanchan

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as devastating and unprecedented.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of the Association, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, condemned the kidnapping in strong terms, 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.

He described the incident as heart-rending, alarming, and totally unacceptable, warning that it reflects a worsening security situation across the region. The Association expressed concern that the Kajuru abduction adds to a growing list of unresolved kidnapping cases in communities such as Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable areas, where many families remain trapped in anguish and uncertainty.

The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted victims. They also urged decisive and sustained measures to end the recurring cycle of kidnappings and insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

As a spiritual response to the crisis, Apostle Dr Kure announced that the Association has proclaimed a two-day fasting and prayer exercise anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of all abducted persons across the region.

According to the statement, the fasting will begin on Friday and conclude on Sunday with a special prayer session to be observed in all churches across Southern Kaduna.

“This call to fasting and prayer represents our collective cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of our brothers and sisters from captivity,” Apostle Dr Kure said. “It also reflects a rare moment of unity, as Christians across denominations stand together at this critical time in our history.”

The Association appealed to Christians within and outside Southern Kaduna to participate fully in the exercise, while also calling 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, nor will we surrender to despair. We place our trust in God for divine intervention, even as we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property,” the statement concluded.