By Ayomide Otitoju
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised security agencies over their handling of public communication following the recent abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed concern over what it described as insensitive and inadequate communication by security agencies in the early stages of the incident.
The association said the initial response, which dismissed reports of the abduction before proper verification, created confusion and further undermined public confidence in the authorities.
CAN’s reaction came hours after the Nigeria Police Force formally confirmed the kidnapping. Reports of the incident first emerged on Sunday, with claims that more than 100 worshippers were abducted during an attack on the community. At the time, both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies denied that any such incident had occurred.
However, in a statement issued late on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the abduction did take place, explaining that intelligence and operational findings had verified the incident. He said the earlier denial by the Kaduna State Police Command was intended to prevent public panic while investigations were ongoing.
Reacting to the confirmation, CAN acknowledged the difficulties security agencies often face in verifying reports from remote or hard-to-reach communities. Nevertheless, the association said such challenges did not justify shortcomings in the management of sensitive information.
CAN described the premature dismissal of the reports as troubling, given the seriousness of the incident, noting that it heightened fear and cast doubt on the credibility of worshippers, their families, clergy and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
“In situations of this gravity, public communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens,” the statement said, adding that while efforts to prevent panic are understandable, they must not be conveyed in a manner that suggests denial or indifference.
The association stressed that statements from senior security officials carry significant weight and should be delivered with accuracy, empathy and an awareness of their impact on public trust and social stability, particularly in cases involving threats to human life.
While commending the Inspector-General of Police for deploying operational and intelligence resources to the affected area following the confirmation of the abduction, CAN said such actions must be matched with a more people-centred and disciplined approach to crisis communication.
It urged security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination, improve verification procedures and ensure that credible reports from communities are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
CAN also called on governments at all levels to address the country’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that repeated attacks continue to threaten lives, disrupt worship and erode public confidence.
The association appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons and urged security agencies to intensify all efforts to ensure their safe return, stressing that the protection of innocent lives must remain the highest priority.
