The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association in northern Nigeria has condemned the recent abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State by gunmen, describing the incident as alarming and unacceptable.
The association said in a statement on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, expressed deep anguish over the attack, 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.
Kure said that the Kajuru incident had further compounded the insecurity challenges confronting Southern Kaduna, adding that several abductions in communities across Kauru, Kachia and other parts of the region remained unresolved.
He lamented that many families in the affected areas were still living in pain and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones, stressing that the recurring attacks had continued to instil fear among residents.
While calling on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers, the association urged decisive measures to end the cycle of kidnappings in the region.
As part of a spiritual response to the crisis, the association announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna.
According to the statement, the fasting exercise, will commence on Friday and conclude with a special prayer session 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,” Kure said.
He added that the initiative reflected a rare show of unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment for the region.
“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.
GIK/APA