The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has expressed concern over the abduction of 163 worshippers in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

The worshippers were reportedly kidnapped from three churches in Kurmin Wali community on Sunday.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Emmanuel Kure, chairman of the association, said the group had declared a two-day fasting and prayer programme in response to the incident.

Kure said the fasting would begin on Friday and culminate in a special prayer session in 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,” he said.

“It is also a demonstration of rare unity, as believers across denominations stand together at a critical moment in our history,” Kure added.

The association urged Christians in southern Kaduna and beyond to participate in the fasting and prayer exercise.

It also appealed to the wider public to stand in solidarity with the affected communities and families of the abducted worshippers.

The Christian leaders called on the Kaduna state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the victims.

They also urged decisive action to end what they described as the recurring cycle of kidnappings in the area.

“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,” Kure stated.