CAN Faults Police, Demands Rescue of Kaduna Worshipers
CAN Faults Police, Demands Rescue of Kaduna Worshipers
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticized the public communication strategies used by security agencies following the kidnapping of over 160 worshippers in the Kurmin Wali community of Kaduna State.
In a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over the initial denial of the incident by the police, calling it a lapse in due diligence and empathy.
The incident occurred on Sunday when bandits invaded three churches in the Kajuru Local Government Area, marching congregants into the bush. Despite early reports from eyewitnesses and church leaders, the Kaduna State Police Command initially dismissed the claims as false.
It was not until Tuesday that the police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, admitted the attack had taken place and confirmed that many people had indeed been abducted.
CAN argued that such premature dismissals create unnecessary confusion and undermine public trust in official security reports.
The association highlighted that questioning the credibility of victims, their families, and the clergy while they are in the midst of a crisis is “deeply troubling” and only serves to heighten the fear and anxiety of the affected community.
Archbishop Okoh emphasized that while security agencies must verify reports from remote areas, this challenge does not excuse the insensitive way the information was handled.
The statement urged senior security officials to be guided by accuracy and sensitivity, noting that their public declarations carry significant weight and should prioritize the suffering of citizens over the avoidance of panic.
In its final appeal, the Christian body called on the Federal and State Governments to intensify efforts to ensure the safe and immediate rescue of the kidnapped worshippers.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government to end the cycle of violence but insisted that transparency and effective communication are vital to restoring peace and public confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.
