The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) 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 fuels fear and erodes public trust.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it reviewed the police statement on the incident and was concerned about how the matter was addressed before thorough verification.
The association acknowledged the difficulties of confirming security incidents, particularly in remote areas, but stressed that such challenges do not justify insensitive communication where human lives are involved.
“The initial public dismissal of reports about this incident, before thorough verification, was deeply troubling,” CAN 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 noting the need to prevent panic, the association warned that caution must not be conveyed in a manner that suggests denial or indifference.
Archbishop Okoh welcomed the subsequent confirmation of the incident by the police and commended the Inspector-General of Police for ordering the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area.
However, CAN said such actions must be matched with a more disciplined, empathetic and people-centred 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 statement said.
Beyond the incident, CAN urged security agencies to strengthen coordination and verification processes, stressing that credible reports from communities must be treated with seriousness.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation — whether dismissive or sensational — avoided,” the association added.
CAN also called on governments at all levels to tackle Nigeria’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that recurring attacks continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship and weaken public confidence in the state’s ability to provide security.
The association appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe return.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, pledging continued solidarity with affected communities while engaging authorities in the pursuit of lasting security.
