The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over its initial public response to the reported abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, warning that poor communication around security incidents can aggravate fear and erode public confidence.
In a statement personally signed by Archbishop Okoh, CAN said it examined the police’s first account of the incident and was disturbed by how the matter was addressed publicly before adequate verification was carried out.
While acknowledging the difficulties security agencies often face in confirming incidents, particularly in remote areas, the association stressed that such challenges do not justify a lack of sensitivity when human lives are at stake.
“The initial public dismissal of reports about this incident, before thorough verification, was deeply troubling.
“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,” the association said.
Archbishop Okoh noted that the later confirmation of the incident by the police was a step in the right direction and praised the Inspector-General of Police for ordering the deployment of operational and intelligence resources to the affected area.
However, CAN maintained that such actions must go hand in hand with a more thoughtful, empathetic, and people-focused 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.
Looking beyond the immediate incident, the association urged security agencies and relevant authorities to improve coordination and verification mechanisms, emphasising that reports from local communities should be handled with seriousness and care.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided,” CAN said.
The association also appealed to governments at all levels to tackle Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges with renewed determination, warning that repeated attacks continue to threaten lives, disrupt religious activities, and weaken confidence in the state’s ability to protect citizens.
“We make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted.
“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,” the statement added.
Reiterating its stance, CAN said it remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and human dignity, pledging continued solidarity with affected communities while constructively engaging authorities to advance safety, accountability, and sustainable security.
