- Faults dismissive posturing before thorough investigation
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted the initial public communication by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the reported abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, cautioning that careless handling of sensitive security information deepens fear, weakens public trust, and worsens an already grave situation across the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said having reviewed the Police statement on the incident, it is worried how the matter was dismissively communicated to the public even before thorough verification.
The Christian body, which acknowledged the challenges of confirming security incidents, especially in remote communities, insisted that such difficulties do not excuse the Police’s lapses in sensitivity where human lives are involved.
The CAN statement said; “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.”
According to Archbishop Okoh, the subsequent confirmation of the incident by the Police was a necessary development, even as he commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for directing the immediate deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area.
However, the Association maintained that such steps must be complemented by a more disciplined, people-centred, and empathetic approach to crisis communication going forward.
The CAN President further said: “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.”
He said beyond the immediate incident, it is important for security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination and verification processes, stressing that credible reports from communities must always be treated with seriousness.
Also stressing that “Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided,” CAN urged governments at all levels to confront Nigeria’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency.
Additionally, it warned that recurring incidents continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence in the state’s ability to guarantee safety.
Importantly too, CAN said: “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, while reaffirming CAN’s commitment to peace, justice, and the defence of human dignity, said the Association will continue to stand with affected communities while engaging constructively with authorities in the pursuit of safety, accountability, and lasting security for all Nigerians within the polity.
Recalled reports of the abduction in Kurmin Wali community first hit the public space on Sunday, with claims that over 100 worshippers were taken during the attack by gunmen.
However, reacting to the initial reports, both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies immediately dismissed the reports, insisting that no such incident had taken place in the state.
But late on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, recanted and confirmed that the abduction did take place.
He said in a statement that intelligence and operational findings had verified the incident, further explaining that the earlier position of the Kaduna State Police Command was aimed at preventing panic while investigations were ongoing and facts were being established.
