Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Call for Two-Day Fast, Prayer Over Mass Kidnappings

By: Abubakar Labaran

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has expressed profound anguish and condemnation following the kidnapping of 177 individuals in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Association's Chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, described the incident as "heart-rending, alarming, and unacceptable." He noted it marks an unprecedented moment in the region, where members of three different Christian denominations were abducted in a single day during church services.

The Association lamented that the Kajuru attack adds to a growing list of unresolved abductions across Southern Kaduna, particularly in Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable communities, leaving families in prolonged agony over their missing loved ones.

The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims. They also urged decisive action to break the recurring cycle of kidnappings in the region.

As a spiritual response, the SKCLA declared a two-day fasting and prayer program, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, for the safe return of all abducted persons.

The fast will commence on Friday and conclude with a special prayer session in all 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,” stated Apostle Dr. Kure. “It is also a demonstration of rare unity, as believers across denominations stand together at a critical moment in our history.”

The Association invited all Christians in Southern Kaduna and beyond to participate earnestly in the fast. It also appealed to the wider Nigerian society to stand in solidarity with affected communities and the families of victims.

“We will not be silent in the face of evil, neither will we lose hope. We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement concluded.

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