Southern Kaduna Leaders Declare Fasting After 177 Worshippers Abducted

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has announced 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 disturbing, unprecedented and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the association said the attack marked a grim first in the history of Southern Kaduna, with worshippers from three different Christian denominations abducted on the same day during church services.

Kure said the Kajuru incident had worsened the already fragile security situation in Southern Kaduna, noting that several earlier abductions in communities across Kauru, Kachia and other parts of the region had yet to be resolved.

According to him, the continued spate of kidnappings has left many families traumatised and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones, while fear continues to grip residents across affected communities.

“The pain and anxiety being endured by families whose loved ones are still in captivity cannot be overstated,” Kure said, stressing that the recurring attacks had become a major threat to peace and stability in the region.

The association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers and to put an end to the cycle of kidnappings in Southern Kaduna.

As part of its response, the group announced a two-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe return of all abducted persons across the region.

The exercise, according to the statement, will be anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, commence on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions 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 reflects a rare and significant show of unity among Christians across denominations at a critical moment for Southern Kaduna.

The association also urged Christians within and outside the region to participate in the exercise and appealed 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 said.