The Christian Association of Nigeria has announced a three-day nationwide mourning period from June 12 to June 14 in honour of victims of violent attacks, kidnappings, terrorism, and banditry across Nigeria, as concerns continue to mount over the country’s worsening security situation.
The Christian body also declared June 14 as “Black Sunday,” directing churches across the nation to observe the day as a symbol of solidarity with families and communities affected by persistent violence and insecurity.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, while presenting a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit.
The summit, held at the National Christian Centre under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together church leaders, denominational representatives, and delegates from across the country to assess Nigeria’s current challenges and explore possible solutions through prayer, dialogue, and advocacy.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Okoh expressed deep concern over the growing wave of insecurity affecting several parts of the country. He cited recent incidents involving killings, abductions, attacks on communities, and destruction of property in states including Oyo State, Ogun State, Borno State, Kwara State, and Kogi State.
According to him, the continued attacks have left many communities devastated, with citizens living in fear and uncertainty.
“Communities are under attack; citizens are kidnapped from their homes and places of work, travelers are abducted on highways, and farmers are driven from their lands.
“Innocent men, women, and children are killed, maimed, displaced, and, in some cases, brutally beheaded by criminal and terrorist elements,” Okoh stated.
The CAN President urged the Federal Government to take more decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on national security, arguing that the scale of the crisis requires urgent and extraordinary intervention.
He also criticised what he described as the repeated use of conciliatory language by senior government officials when responding to serious security threats, insisting that Nigerians need concrete results rather than assurances.
According to him, the foremost responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, and authorities must demonstrate greater commitment to fulfilling that obligation.
As part of its recommendations, CAN called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security framework. The association advocated stronger intelligence gathering mechanisms, improved collaboration among security agencies, enhanced accountability within security operations, and more effective responses to emerging threats.
Okoh further reiterated support for the decentralisation of security responsibilities and called for the accelerated implementation of constitutional and legislative measures needed to establish state police across the federation.
The Christian body also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens currently being held captive by kidnappers and criminal groups.
On humanitarian concerns, CAN appealed to the government to establish a robust compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks, as well as families who have lost loved ones or sources of livelihood due to insecurity.
The association also encouraged churches nationwide to strengthen support structures within their communities by providing humanitarian assistance, trauma counselling, peace-building initiatives, and support services for displaced persons.
Okoh expressed concern that political activities, including early electioneering campaigns, party defections, and political calculations ahead of future elections, appear to be receiving more attention from political leaders than the urgent security challenges confronting many communities.
He urged politicians and political parties to focus on addressing insecurity and national development rather than engaging in divisive political distractions.
The cleric also called on organised labour groups, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to work together in holding government accountable and ensuring that meaningful action is taken to address the crisis.
Reaffirming CAN’s commitment to peace, justice, and national unity, Okoh stressed that while the Church would continue to pray for the nation, prayer must be accompanied by active civic engagement and sustained advocacy aimed at promoting security and protecting vulnerable citizens.
