The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of 166 worshippers abducted by armed bandits in Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

CAN urged 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.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described as deeply troubling the initial public dismissal of the reported abduction of 166 worshippers by the police without thorough verification.

He observed that the police action generated confusion, heightened fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.

Okoh noted that in situations of this gravity, public communication must not appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens, adding that victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation, whether dismissive or sensational, avoided.

He said, “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 recognises that verifying security incidents, especially in remote communities, can be challenging. However, these challenges do not excuse lapses in how sensitive matters are communicated to the public, particularly when reports involve mass abductions and threats to human life.

“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.”

Okoh acknowledged the subsequent confirmation of the incident and commended the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area.

The CAN President stated that these steps are necessary and must be accompanied by a more disciplined, people-focused approach to crisis communication going forward.

Okoh urged 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 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.

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,” he added.