The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has strongly condemned the recent abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as alarming, tragic, and unacceptable.

In a statement obtained on Thursday, the association’s Chairman, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, expressed deep sorrow over the attack, noting that it marked 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 the incident had further worsened the already fragile security situation in Southern Kaduna, adding that several kidnapping cases in communities across Kauru, Kachia and other parts of the region were yet to be resolved.

He lamented that many families were still living in pain, fear, and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones, stressing that the repeated attacks had continued to instil terror among residents and disrupt communal life.

The association called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers. It also urged the government to take decisive and lasting measures to put an end to 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 exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, will begin on Friday and end with a special prayer session in churches across the region 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 an uncommon show of unity among Christians of different denominations at a critical time for Southern Kaduna.

The association also appealed to Christians within and outside the region to participate in the fasting exercise and called on Nigerians to show 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, nor 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 concluded.