Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have called on governments at all levels and security agencies to urgently strengthen security around places of worship following the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The clerics also demanded the immediate rescue of the victims, warning that their continued captivity has left families facing severe emotional and psychological distress.

The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Kure, during the 2026 Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit held in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.

The leaders urged communities, particularly those in rural areas, to bolster local security measures to safeguard churches and other worship centres.

Apostle Kure lamented what he described as the lack of visible progress nearly two weeks after the incident, noting that no victims had been released.

“It has been almost two weeks and nobody has been freed. In many cases, early government intervention leads to quick releases, but here, there has been no movement,” he said.

Although he expressed gratitude that no deaths had been confirmed, Kure described the prolonged captivity of the worshippers as deeply concerning, stressing that their continued stay in the bush was taking a heavy toll on their families.

Kure said many of the affected residents, mostly farmers, cannot afford the large ransom demands allegedly being requested by the abductors.

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

He reminded the Kaduna State Government of earlier assurances to act swiftly, warning that delays in response could deepen public suffering and erode confidence in security institutions.

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

He stressed that where government resources are limited, communities should remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to prevent further attacks on worship centres.