News

CAN Demands Responsibility and Care in Security Communication

Published

8 months ago

January 21, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Christian Association of Nigeria (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 acknowledges that verifying security incidents, particularly in remote communities, can be challenging. However, such challenges do not excuse lapses in the communication of sensitive matters to the public—especially when reports involve mass abductions and threats to human life.

The initial public dismissal of reports concerning this incident, prior to thorough verification, was deeply troubling. It created confusion, heightened public anxiety, and unfairly cast doubt on the credibility of nearly 170 worshippers, their families, clergy, and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.

In situations of this gravity, public communication must never appear dismissive of the suffering or fears of affected citizens.
While the need to prevent panic is understandable, caution must not be expressed in ways that suggest denial or indifference.

Statements issued by senior security officials carry significant weight and must therefore be guided by due diligence, empathy, and a clear understanding of their impact on public trust and social stability.

CAN notes the subsequent confirmation of the incident and commends the Inspector-General of Police for directing the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to the affected area. These steps are necessary and welcome. However, they must be complemented by a more disciplined, people-centred approach to crisis communication going forward.

We call on all 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. Victims must be protected, genuine distress calls respected, and misinformation—whether dismissive or sensational—firmly avoided.

CAN also urges 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 make a heartfelt appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted. We pray for their safe and unharmed return, 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.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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