Joel Ajayi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reviewed the press statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force confirming the abduction incident at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
CAN acknowledges that verifying security incidents, particularly in remote communities, can be challenging. However, such challenges do not excuse lapses in the communication of sensitive matters to the public—especially when reports involve mass abductions and threats to human life.
The initial public dismissal of reports concerning this incident, prior to thorough verification, was deeply troubling. It created confusion, heightened public anxiety, and unfairly cast doubt on the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
In situations of this gravity, public communication must never appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens.
While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be expressed in ways that suggest denial or indifference. Statements issued by senior security officials carry significant weight and must therefore be guided by due diligence, empathy, and a clear understanding of their impact on public trust and social stability.
CAN notes the subsequent confirmation of the incident and commends the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area. These steps are necessary and welcome. However, they must be complemented by a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication going forward.
We call on all security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination, improve verification processes, 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—firmly avoided.
CAN also urges governments at all levels to confront the persistent insecurity across the country with renewed urgency, as repeated incidents continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence.
We make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted. We pray for their safe and unharmed return, and we urge security agencies to intensify all efforts—operational, intelligence, and diplomatic—towards securing their swift rescue. The lives of innocent citizens must remain paramount.
As a national faith-based body, CAN remains committed to peace, justice, and the defence of human dignity. We will continue to stand with affected communities and engage constructively with authorities in the collective pursuit of safety, accountability, and lasting security.
