Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have called on the state government, security agencies and local communities to take urgent steps to protect worship centres and secure the release of abducted worshippers, warning that affected families are experiencing deepening trauma.

The call was made on Saturday by the Chairman of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kure, during the 2026 Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit held at the Kafanchan New Township Stadium. The summit was themed “Worship His Majesty.”

Apostle Kure said the gathering was not only a spiritual exercise but also an opportunity to appeal for swift government intervention, expressing concern over the lack of visible progress weeks after recent abductions.

“It has been almost two weeks, and nobody has been released. In other cases, early government intervention often leads to quick release of victims, but here, there has been no movement,” Kure said.

While thanking God that no deaths have been confirmed among the abducted worshippers, he highlighted the emotional and psychological trauma faced by families, noting that even journalists covering the incidents were moved to tears.

He added that young children in affected communities were particularly impacted.

Addressing the issue of ransom demands, Kure said rural communities and farmers lacked the capacity to meet the amounts being requested.

“There is no farmer in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara or Sokoto who can raise ₦50 million or ₦80 million in the present economic climate. These ransom demands are destroying our rural communities,” he said.

The cleric urged the Kaduna State Government to honour previous assurances of action, warning that delays only worsen the suffering of victims and erode public confidence in security institutions. He also called on communities to strengthen local protection for places of worship.

“Our holy places must remain sacred. Christians and Muslims alike must rise to ensure that our places of worship are protected.

“If government resources are stretched, communities must remain vigilant and coordinate with security agencies to prevent further attacks,” Kure said.

Speaking after the cleric’s address, Member of the House of Representatives for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Dan Amos, urged Christians and religious leaders in Southern Kaduna to intensify prayers for Nigeria’s peace, stability and development, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.

Amos, who spoke shortly after a special prayer session conducted in their honour, commended government efforts to improve critical sectors such as electricity supply, noting that stable power would enhance industrial growth and attract investors to Kaduna State and Southern Kaduna.

He emphasised that sustainable development requires patience, consistency and divine guidance.

“Development is not today, tomorrow or the next day. With commitment, consistency and the guidance of God, we will surely get there,” he said.

The lawmaker urged bishops and Christian leaders to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders, describing prayer as a vital tool for national transformation.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, saying the country has the potential to become one of the world’s leading nations if unity and good leadership are sustained.

On the ongoing constitutional amendment process, Amos said lawmakers were nearing the conclusion of the current round of amendments, with a focus on protecting citizens’ interests and strengthening national cohesion.

He thanked the Christian community in Southern Kaduna for their continued prayers and support, urging them not to relent as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin.

The summit concluded with prayers for the safe return of abducted worshippers, lasting peace in the region, and sustained national progress. (Saturday PUNCH)

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