The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has criticised the initial public communication by the Nigeria Police Force on the reported abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning that poor handling of sensitive security information can worsen fear and weaken public trust.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Okoh in his capacity as CAN President, the association said it reviewed the police statement on the incident and expressed concern over how the matter was communicated to the public before thorough verification.
CAN acknowledged the difficulties involved in confirming security incidents, particularly in remote communities, but stressed that such challenges do not justify a lack of sensitivity where human lives are at stake.
“The initial public dismissal of reports about this incident, before thorough verification, was deeply troubling,” the statement said. “It generated confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
“While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference.”
Archbishop Okoh noted that the subsequent confirmation of the incident by the police was a necessary development and commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area.
However, he stressed that such actions must be supported by a more disciplined, people-centred and empathetic approach to crisis communication.
“Statements made by senior security officials carry significant weight and should therefore be guided by due diligence, empathy and a clear understanding of their impact on public trust and social stability,” the association stated.
Beyond the immediate incident, CAN called on security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination and verification processes, urging that credible reports from communities be treated with seriousness.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided,” the statement added.
The association also urged governments at all levels to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that recurring incidents continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to guarantee safety.
“We make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted,” CAN said. “We pray that they are returned safely and unharmed, and we urge security agencies to intensify all efforts—operational, intelligence and diplomatic—towards securing their swift rescue.”
Reaffirming its stance, CAN said it remains committed to peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, and will continue to stand with affected communities while engaging constructively with authorities in the pursuit of safety, accountability and lasting security.
