CAN Declares Three-Day National Mourning Over Insecurity, Demands State of Emergency on Security
In addition, CAN urged political leaders to suspend what it described as divisive political distractions and premature electioneering, and instead focus on restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, following what it described as an unprecedented wave of violence, kidnappings and killings across the country.
The call was part of resolutions reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, convened in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
In a communiqué signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed “profound alarm” over escalating insecurity, including mass abductions, terrorist attacks, banditry and violent crimes affecting communities nationwide.
The summit, attended by leaders from major Christian blocs including the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN/ECWA and other member bodies, deliberated on the deteriorating security situation and its impact on national unity and development.
Participants cited recent attacks and abductions in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states, noting with particular concern the targeting of schoolchildren, teachers, churches, farming communities and vulnerable populations. They lamented the displacement of thousands of citizens and the trauma inflicted on victims and families.
CAN accused existing security arrangements of failing to provide adequate protection for citizens and urged the Federal Government to take urgent, decisive and measurable steps to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
Among its key demands, the association called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and improved operational effectiveness in combating terrorism and violent crime.
It also urged the acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to improve local intelligence and rapid response capabilities.
The Christian body demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently in captivity, while calling on security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
CAN further pressed for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism and violent attacks, insisting that families who have lost loved ones and communities whose homes, schools and churches have been destroyed deserve justice and restoration.
The association designated Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day national mourning period to run through Sunday, June 14, 2026. It declared Sunday, June 14, as “Black Sunday,” to be observed in churches nationwide in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families.
In addition, CAN urged political leaders to suspend what it described as divisive political distractions and premature electioneering, and instead focus on restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.
The association also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society organisations and traditional institutions to join in holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.
While reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, CAN emphasised that prayer must be matched with action, pledging to intensify advocacy and civic engagement with the Presidency, National Assembly and security agencies.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life and national security, describing the current situation as a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.
