The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern region has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for its initial denial of a mass abduction in Kaduna State, claiming the denial hampered rescue efforts.
The incident occurred on Sunday when gunmen attacked three churches in a community and abducted approximately 167 worshippers. On Monday, the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed reports of the kidnappings as "falsehood," attributing them to "conflict entrepreneurs."
However, the Force Headquarters reversed this position on Tuesday. Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the abduction of over 100 persons, clarifying that earlier statements aimed to prevent public panic during verification and were not a denial.
In a television interview, Northern CAN Chairman Joseph Hayab described the police's initial outright denial as "a total disappointment" and "a total failure." He argued that the time spent refuting the reports allowed the kidnappers to get farther away, critically delaying pursuit and rescue operations.
“The denial has increased the lack of trust that exists between the people and those who are securing them,” Hayab stated.
He also accused the local government chairman of the affected area of initially confirming the high number of abductees before changing his story shortly afterward. Hayab emphasized that CAN’s reporting was accurate and immediately provided to security authorities.
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