Southern Kaduna Christian leaders declare fast, prayer after mass abduction of worshippers

The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has called for a two-day fast and prayer following the abduction of 177 persons in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Association condemned the heart-rending and alarming incident, which reportedly occurred during church services, describing it as unacceptable. SKCLA Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, stated that this marks the first time in the area’s history that worshippers from three different Christian denominations were abducted simultaneously.

He lamented that the attack adds to numerous unresolved kidnappings across Southern Kaduna, leaving families in Kauru, Kachia, and other vulnerable communities in prolonged uncertainty.

The leaders urged the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims and to take decisive action to end the recurring cycle of insecurity.

Apostle Kure announced that the spiritual response—a fast beginning Friday, culminating in special prayers across all Southern Kaduna churches on Sunday—is anchored on Psalm 57:2–3.

He described it as a united cry for divine mercy, protection, and the safe return of all captives, demonstrating rare denominational unity.

The Association called on Christians within and beyond the region to join the fast and appealed for national solidarity with the affected communities and families.

The statement affirmed, “We will not be silent in the face of evil, neither will we lose hope,” while continuing to demand accountability and concrete action from security authorities.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

See author's posts