The clerics also called for the immediate rescue of the abducted worshippers, warning that their continued captivity has subjected their families to emotional and psychological trauma.

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, the headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area.

The leaders further urged local communities to strengthen internal security arrangements to protect worship centres, particularly in rural areas.

Apostle Kure decried what he described as the lack of visible progress weeks after the worshippers were abducted in Kurmin Wali.

Speaking on the theme of the summit, ‘Worship His Majesty’, he said the gathering was not only a spiritual exercise but also a platform to draw attention to the worsening security situation.

“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 death had been confirmed among the abducted worshippers, Kure described their continued stay in the bush as deeply troubling.

He warned that the prolonged captivity was taking a heavy emotional and psychological toll on the victims’ families.

Ransom Demands Beyond Farmers’ Reach

The cleric noted that rural dwellers, particularly farmers, lack the capacity to meet the huge ransom demands being made by the abductors.

“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.

Apostle Kure reminded the Kaduna State Government of its previous assurances to act swiftly, warning that delays only worsen the suffering of victims and undermine public confidence in security institutions.

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

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

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