The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has denounced the abduction of 177 people in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as deeply troubling and unacceptable.

In a statement made available on Thursday and signed by its Chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, the group expressed profound distress over the attack, noting that it marked an unprecedented occurrence in Southern Kaduna’s history, where worshippers from three separate Christian denominations were kidnapped on the same day during church services.

Kure said the incident in Kajuru had worsened the already fragile security situation in Southern Kaduna, pointing out that several previous abductions in communities within Kauru, Kachia and other parts of the region were yet to be resolved. He added that many families were still grappling with fear, pain and uncertainty over the whereabouts of their abducted relatives.

The association urged the Kaduna State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped worshippers, while also calling for decisive steps to put an end to the persistent cases of abduction in the area.

As part of its response, the association announced a two-day fasting and prayer exercise for the safe return of all abducted persons across Southern Kaduna. According to the statement, the spiritual exercise, anchored on Psalm 57:2–3, will begin on Friday and culminate in special prayer sessions in churches across the region on Sunday.

Describing the initiative as a collective appeal to God for mercy, protection and deliverance, Kure said it represented a rare moment of unity among Christians of different denominations at a critical time for the region.

The association further called on Christians both within and outside Southern Kaduna to take part in the exercise, while appealing to Nigerians to stand in solidarity with communities affected by kidnappings, particularly in Kajuru, Kauru and Kachia local government areas.

It stressed that while it remained hopeful for divine intervention, it would continue to demand responsibility and concrete action from authorities charged with safeguarding lives and property.