Police Statement On Kaduna Christians Abduction Was Misguided – CAN

Christians Association of Nigeria

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has blasted the initial public communication by the Nigeria Police Force on the reported abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He recently had his say via a press statement, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, careless handling of sensitive security information will only go a long way towards deepening fear, weakening public trust and worsening an already grave situation.

CAN added that after reviewing the police statement on the incident, it is a shame how the matter was communicated to the public before thorough verification.

His words, “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.

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.

Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided.

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.”

WOW.