By Jane Okeke
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed serious concern over the handling of public communication by security agencies following the reported abduction incident at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
CAN, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said it reviewed the initial press statement by the Nigeria Police Force which appeared to dismiss reports of the abduction before a thorough verification was concluded.
Speaking through its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN noted that while security verification in remote communities can be difficult, such challenges do not justify insensitive or dismissive public communication.
“The initial public dismissal of reports concerning this incident was deeply troubling and avoidable,” Okoh said.
According to him, the premature communication generated confusion, heightened public fear and unfairly cast doubt on the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
CAN stressed that matters involving mass abductions and threats to human life demand extreme caution, empathy and responsibility in official communication.
Archbishop Okoh warned that statements made by senior security officials carry enormous weight and can either reassure or destabilise the public.
“While the need to prevent panic is understandable, such caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference to the suffering of affected citizens,” he stated.
CAN, however, acknowledged the subsequent confirmation of the incident and commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area.
The association said such actions were necessary and welcome but emphasised that they must go hand-in-hand with improved crisis communication strategies.
“We call on all security agencies to strengthen coordination, improve verification processes, and ensure that credible reports from communities are treated with the seriousness they deserve,” Okoh said.
He added that genuine distress calls must be respected and misinformation — whether dismissive or sensational — avoided at all costs.
CAN also urged governments at all levels to confront the nation’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that repeated incidents continue to endanger lives and erode public confidence.
The association made a passionate appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons.
“We pray that they are returned safely and unharmed, and we urge security agencies to intensify all operational and intelligence efforts to secure their swift rescue,” Okoh said.
Kaduna Abduction: CAN Faults Police Communication, Demands Responsible Security Messaging
