The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised the handling of public information by security agencies following the abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the initial response as insensitive and poorly managed.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern that early official reactions from security authorities dismissed reports of the incident without adequate verification.
According to the association, this approach created confusion, heightened anxiety, and weakened public trust at a critical moment.
Reports of the attack first emerged on Sunday, alleging that over 100 worshippers were kidnapped during an assault on the community.
Both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies initially denied the claims, insisting no such incident had occurred.
The Nigeria Police Force later confirmed the abduction, several days after the reports began circulating.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the confirmation followed intelligence and operational assessments, explaining that the initial denial was intended to prevent public panic while investigations were ongoing.
Reacting to the police admission, CAN acknowledged the difficulties security agencies face in confirming incidents in remote areas.
However, the association maintained that these challenges do not excuse what it described as inadequate and dismissive communication, especially in matters involving threats to human life.
CAN stated that rejecting early reports without thorough checks unfairly cast doubt on the credibility of worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
It stressed that official statements, particularly from senior security officials, must be issued with care, empathy, and accuracy due to their significant impact on public confidence and social stability.
While commending the Inspector-General of Police for deploying intelligence and operational resources to the affected area after confirming the incident, CAN urged security agencies to adopt a more people-centred and disciplined approach to crisis communication going forward.
The association called for improved coordination among security bodies, stronger verification processes, and greater respect for credible community reports.
It warned that misinformation whether dismissive or exaggerated, could worsen fear and undermine trust.
CAN also appealed to federal and state governments to address Nigeria’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, noting that repeated attacks continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence.
The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers and urged security agencies to intensify all efforts to secure their safe return, insisting that the protection of innocent lives must remain the highest priority.
