The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies and relevant authorities to improve inter-agency coordination, strengthen verification processes, and ensure that credible reports from communities are treated with due seriousness.
The call followed the confusion surrounding reports of the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stressed the need for victims to be adequately protected and for genuine distress calls to be respected, warning against the spread of misinformation.
“Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation—whether dismissive or sensational—must be avoided,” Okoh said.
The association also urged governments at all levels to confront the country’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency, noting that repeated incidents of violence continue to threaten lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence.
CAN further appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted persons, calling on security agencies to intensify their operational, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts to secure their swift rescue.
“We pray that they are returned safely and unharmed. The lives of innocent citizens must remain paramount,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and justice, CAN said it would continue to stand with affected communities and engage constructively with authorities in the collective pursuit of safety, accountability, and lasting security.
