The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over what it described as poor and insensitive public communication following the abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, where armed bandits reportedly stormed three churches and abducted over 160 worshippers during services.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN faulted the police for initially dismissing reports of the abduction before proper verification, saying the response undermined public trust and deepened anxiety among affected families and communities.
According to the association, the early denial by security agencies created confusion and appeared to cast doubt on the credibility of victims, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
“The premature dismissal of reports before thorough verification was deeply troubling,” the statement read.
“It generated confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses.”
CAN acknowledged that verifying security incidents, especially in remote communities, can be challenging, but stressed that such challenges do not justify lapses in communicating sensitive information.
“While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference to the suffering of citizens,” the Christian body said.
The Nigeria Police Force had initially denied that any abduction took place but later confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, admitting that many worshippers were kidnapped.
Reacting to the confirmation, CAN commended the Inspector-General of Police for ordering the deployment of tactical and intelligence units to the affected area, describing the move as “necessary and welcome.”
However, the association insisted that operational responses must be matched with a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication.
“Statements by senior security officials carry significant weight and must be guided by care, accuracy, empathy, and sensitivity, especially in matters involving threats to human life,” CAN stated.
The association called on security agencies to strengthen coordination, improve verification processes, and treat credible reports from communities with seriousness.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation—whether dismissive or sensational—avoided,” the statement added.
CAN also 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 activities, and erode public confidence.
The association appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe rescue.
“The lives of innocent citizens must remain paramount,” CAN said, adding prayers for the victims’ safe and unharmed return.
