News
CAN Demands Responsibility and Care in Security Communication
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.
News
Eid-el-Fitr: CAN Calls for National Reset, Urges Unity Amid Challenges
Joel Ajayi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has extended warm congratulations to Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr 2026, calling on Nigerians to embrace unity and collective responsibility in the face of national challenges.
In a goodwill message issued on Friday in Abuja, CAN President Daniel Okoh described Eid as a moment of deep spiritual significance, marking the end of Ramadan—a period devoted to fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity.
He noted that beyond the celebration of breaking the fast, Eid represents the strengthening of faith, family bonds, and renewed hope. According to him, Nigeria stands at a critical point where unity is essential to overcoming pressing issues such as insecurity and economic hardship.
Okoh emphasized that the nation thrives best when its people rise above religious and ethnic differences to pursue a shared vision of progress and stability. He urged citizens to draw inspiration from the values of Eid—kindness, sacrifice, and compassion—as a pathway to national healing and cohesion.
“The spirit of Eid calls us to reject division, embrace dialogue, and act in ways that foster peace and understanding,” he said, adding that meaningful change comes not just from words but from everyday actions that promote harmony.
CAN also joined Muslims in praying for Nigeria’s peace, improved security, economic recovery, and leadership guided by wisdom and empathy. Okoh stressed the need to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan, particularly in supporting the vulnerable and building a more just society.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to see this year’s Eid as more than a celebration, but as an opportunity for a moral and national reset.
“May this season bring joy to homes, good health to families, and lasting peace to our nation. Eid Mubarak,” he said.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
