The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria has strongly criticised security agencies for initially dismissing reports of a mass abduction in Kaduna State, describing their response as a “total failure” that has further eroded public trust.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, condemned what he called the outright denial by security authorities of the kidnapping of scores of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area.
His remarks came hours after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) officially confirmed that the abduction did, in fact, take place.
“The manner in which the police commissioner and other security agencies came out to categorically say this incident did not happen is a total disappointment,” Hayab said. “It is a total failure, and it has only deepened the lack of trust that already exists between the people and those responsible for protecting them.”
Reports of the abduction first surfaced on Sunday, triggering widespread concern after claims that more than 100 worshippers had been kidnapped during an attack on the community. However, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies initially dismissed the reports as false.
Days later, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement issued late Tuesday.
“Verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that earlier comments by the Kaduna State Police Command were meant to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being verified, stressing that the remarks were not intended as a denial.
“Those comments, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected,” the police spokesman added.
But Hayab rejected that explanation, arguing that the initial denials may have delayed rescue efforts and allowed the perpetrators more time to escape.
“Look at the time wasted on denial,” he said. “That time should have been used to pursue the bandits. Instead, they allowed the criminals to go far before finally acknowledging that the information we provided was true—and remains true.”
The Kurmin Wali incident is the latest in a troubling wave of mass kidnappings across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, intensifying concerns over insecurity and the effectiveness of early response by security agencies.
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