News

CAN Demands Responsibility and Care in Security Communication

Published

9 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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News

DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development

Published

15 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Samania

The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.

Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.

He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.

He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.

Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.

He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.

Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.

He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.

Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.

He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.

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