The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over poor handling and communication of the reported abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This was contained in a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Wednesday.
TheFact Daily recalled that in Kurmin Wali community, armed attackers struck three churches during Sunday worship services and abducted 177 worshippers.
Security agencies including the Kaduna State Police Command initially denied the kidnappings, calling the reports false .
However ,Nigeria Police Force (NPF) confirmed the abduction after verification from its field units and intelligence sources.
Consequently CAN said while it understood the difficulties involved in verifying security incidents, especially in remote areas, such challenges should not result in dismissive or insensitive public communication, particularly on matters involving mass abductions and threats to human life.
The umbrella Christian body expressed concern that the initial public response by the police appeared to downplay reports of the incident before proper verification, a development it said created confusion, heightened fear and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
“In situations of this magnitude, official communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens,” CAN stated.
While acknowledging the need to prevent public panic, CAN warned that caution must not be conveyed in ways that suggest denial, indifference or disregard.
It noted that statements by senior security officials carry significant weight and should therefore be guided by empathy, diligence and an awareness of their impact on public trust and social stability.
CAN, however, 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.
It described the intervention as necessary but stressed that such actions must be accompanied by a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication.
The association called on all security agencies and relevant authorities to improve coordination and verification processes, urging them to treat credible reports from communities with the seriousness they deserve.
CAN also cautioned against misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, saying victims must be protected and genuine distress calls respected.
Beyond the immediate incident, CAN urged governments at all levels to tackle the country’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that repeated attacks continue to endanger lives, disrupt religious worship and erode public confidence in the state’s capacity to provide security.
The Christian body also made a passionate appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons, calling on security agencies to intensify operational, intelligence and diplomatic efforts to secure their swift rescue.
“We pray for their safe return, unharmed. The sanctity of innocent lives must remain paramount,” the statement read.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, pledging to continue standing with affected communities while engaging constructively with authorities in the pursuit of accountability and lasting security.
