By Abubakar Yunusa
The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged security agencies to strengthen coordination, improve verification processes and treat community reports with urgency following the abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State.
The appeal followed the confirmation by the Nigeria Police Force of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called on governments at all levels to confront the country’s worsening insecurity with renewed urgency.
He said repeated attacks were endangering lives, disrupting worship and eroding public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided,” Okoh said.
CAN made a “heartfelt appeal” for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted, urging security agencies to intensify operational, intelligence and diplomatic efforts to secure their rescue.
“The lives of innocent citizens must remain paramount,” the association stressed.
CAN also commended the Inspector-General of Police for ordering the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area, describing the move as necessary and welcome.
However, it cautioned that such actions must be accompanied by a more disciplined, people-focused approach to crisis communication.
The association said while verifying security incidents in remote communities could be challenging, this did not excuse lapses in public communication on sensitive matters involving human lives.
It faulted the initial public dismissal of reports on the incident, noting that it generated confusion, heightened fear and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families and clergy.
According to CAN, statements by senior security officials carry significant weight and should be guided by empathy, due diligence and an awareness of their impact on public trust and social stability.
