The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised security agencies over their handling of public communication following the abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed concern over what it described as poor and insensitive communication by security agencies in the early stages of the incident.

CAN said the initial response lacked the required sensitivity and thoroughness, noting that the premature dismissal of reports about the abduction, before proper verification, caused confusion and further eroded public confidence in the authorities.

The association’s reaction came hours after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officially acknowledged the kidnapping. Reports of the abduction first surfaced on Sunday, with claims that more than 100 worshippers were taken during an attack on the Kurmin Wali community.

Both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies initially dismissed the reports, insisting that no such incident had occurred. However, days later, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the abduction did take place.

In a statement issued late on Tuesday, Mr. Hundeyin said intelligence and operational findings had verified the incident. He explained that the earlier position of the Kaduna State Police Command was intended to prevent panic while investigations were ongoing and facts were being established.

Reacting to the confirmation, CAN acknowledged the challenges security agencies often face in verifying incidents, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. However, it stressed that such challenges do not justify shortcomings in the handling of sensitive information.

The association said it was disturbed by the early dismissal of reports before comprehensive verification, describing the approach as inappropriate given the gravity of the incident.

“The initial public dismissal of reports about this incident, before thorough verification, was deeply troubling,” the statement said. “It generated confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.”

It added that, “In situations of this gravity, public communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens. While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference.”

CAN emphasised that statements from senior security officials carry immense weight and must be delivered with care, accuracy, empathy, and a clear understanding of their effects on public trust and social stability, particularly in situations involving threats to human life.

While acknowledging the subsequent confirmation of the abduction, the association commended the Inspector-General of Police for deploying operational and intelligence resources to the affected area, describing the move as necessary and welcome.

However, CAN stressed that such measures must be accompanied by a more disciplined and people-focused approach to crisis communication in future incidents. It urged security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen coordination, improve verification procedures, and ensure that credible community reports are treated with the seriousness they deserve.

“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, must be avoided,” the association stated.

CAN also called on governments at all levels to address the country’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, warning that recurring attacks continue to threaten lives, disrupt worship, and undermine public confidence.

The association appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted and prayed for their safe and unharmed return. It urged security agencies to intensify every possible operational, intelligence, and diplomatic effort to secure a swift rescue, stressing that the protection of innocent lives must remain the highest priority.