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By Ahmed A. Usman, Kafanchan
Christian leaders in southern Kaduna have urged the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and local communities to take urgent steps to protect worship centres and secure the release of abducted worshippers, warning that affected families are experiencing deepening trauma and emotional distress.
The appeal was made on Saturday by the Chairman of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kure, during the 2026 Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit held at the new Kafanchan Township Stadium.
The summit, themed “Worship His Majesty,” brought together clergy, community leaders, and worshippers from across the region.
Apostle Kure said the gathering was not only a spiritual exercise but also a platform to press for swift government intervention, expressing concern over the slow response weeks after recent abductions in the area.
“It has been almost two weeks, and nobody has been released. In other cases, early government intervention often leads to quick release of victims, but here, there has been no movement,” Kure lamented.
While thanking God that no deaths had been confirmed among the abducted worshippers, he noted that families were undergoing severe emotional and psychological trauma, adding that even journalists who covered the incidents were moved to tears. He also pointed out that young children in affected communities were particularly distressed by the situation.
On ransom demands, the cleric said most rural communities and farmers lacked the financial capacity to meet the amounts being requested by kidnappers, calling on the government to intervene decisively.
Apostle Kure further made a strong appeal for unity and mutual protection between Christians and Muslims in Southern Kaduna, stressing that insecurity affects everyone regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“I am calling on Christians to rise and protect Muslims whenever they are attacked, and I am also urging Muslims to stand and protect the Christians they live with whenever they are attacked. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with our Muslim brothers on this step forward, and we must all honour it for the sake of peace,” he declared.
He described the pact as a major step toward lasting coexistence and collective security in the region.
In his remarks, Hon. Dan Amos, Member of the House of Representatives for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, called on Christians and religious leaders in Southern Kaduna to intensify prayers for Nigeria’s peace, stability, and development, especially as the nation approaches another election cycle.
Speaking shortly after a special prayer session conducted on behalf of Southern Kaduna politicians, Amos commended government efforts to improve critical sectors such as electricity, noting that stable power supply would boost industrial growth and attract investment to Kaduna State and southern Kaduna in particular.
He emphasized that sustainable development requires patience, consistency, and divine guidance, urging bishops and church leaders to continue praying for Nigeria and its leadership.
The lawmaker also highlighted Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, stating that the country has the potential to become one of the world’s leading nations if unity, good governance, and collective responsibility are upheld.
On the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Amos revealed that lawmakers were close to concluding the current round of amendments, with a focus on safeguarding citizens’ rights and strengthening national cohesion.
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