The Christian Association of Nigeria has criticised security agencies over their response to the abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, raising concerns about how the incident was communicated to the public.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed unease over what it described as inadequate and insensitive public communication by the security agencies.
CAN said the initial handling of information surrounding the incident was flawed and contributed to confusion among the public.
The association noted that dismissing reports of the abduction before a thorough verification process had been completed not only created uncertainty but also further weakened public trust in the authorities. CAN’s reaction came hours after the Nigeria Police Force officially confirmed that the abduction had indeed occurred.
Reports of the incident first emerged on Sunday, with claims that more than 100 worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. At the time, both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies denied that any such incident had taken place.
Days later, however, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the abduction was real. In a statement issued late on Tuesday, Hundeyin said intelligence assessments and operational findings had verified the incident. He explained that the earlier stance taken by the Kaduna State Police Command was intended to prevent panic while investigations were ongoing and facts were being established.
Reacting to the confirmation, CAN acknowledged the challenges security agencies often face when verifying incidents, especially in remote and hard-to-reach communities. However, the association insisted that such difficulties do not excuse lapses in managing sensitive information that affects human lives.
CAN said it was particularly disturbed by the early dismissal of reports surrounding the abduction without comprehensive verification, describing the approach as inappropriate given the seriousness of the situation.
“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,” the statement said.
The association further stressed that, “In situations of this gravity, public communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens.
While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference.”
CAN emphasised that statements issued by senior security officials carry significant weight and must be delivered with care, accuracy, empathy and an awareness of their potential impact on public trust and social stability, especially in cases involving threats to human life.
While acknowledging the subsequent confirmation of the abduction, CAN commended the Inspector-General of Police for deploying operational and intelligence resources to the affected area, describing the move as necessary and reassuring. However, it maintained that such actions should go hand in hand with a more people-centred and disciplined approach to crisis communication.
The association urged security agencies and relevant authorities to improve coordination, strengthen verification procedures and ensure that credible reports from communities are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, must be avoided,” CAN stated.
CAN also called on governments at all levels to address the persistent insecurity across the country with renewed urgency, warning that repeated attacks continue to endanger lives, disrupt religious activities and erode public confidence in state institutions.
The association appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers, praying for their safe and unharmed return. It urged security agencies to intensify all possible efforts, including operational, intelligence and diplomatic measures, to ensure a swift rescue, stressing that the protection of innocent lives must remain the highest priority.
What you should know
The abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, sparked widespread confusion after initial denials by security agencies and state authorities.
CAN’s response highlights growing concerns over crisis communication in Nigeria, especially during security emergencies. While the police later confirmed the abduction and deployed resources for rescue operations, the incident has renewed calls for better coordination, verification and empathy in public messaging.
CAN insists that premature dismissal of community reports undermines trust, discredits victims and weakens confidence in security institutions already under pressure from recurring insecurity nationwide.
