The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a three-day nationwide mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security as violence and insecurity continue to worsen across the country.
The decision was reached during the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
In a communiqué issued after the summit, CAN said the mourning period would run from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, while churches across the country would observe June 14 as “Black Sunday” in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.
The association expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, abductions, and the destruction of communities in different parts of the country.
CAN strongly condemned what it described as acts of murder, torture, rape, beheading, forced displacement, and other forms of violence against innocent Nigerians. It urged the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive steps to tackle the growing security crisis.
According to the church body, protecting lives and property remains the government’s primary constitutional responsibility, adding that Nigerians deserve visible and measurable actions capable of restoring confidence in the nation’s security system.
The association called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies, and more effective strategies to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
CAN also criticised what it described as the frequent use of conciliatory rhetoric by government officials in response to serious security threats, insisting that a more proactive and result-oriented approach is urgently needed.
As part of its recommendations, the association renewed calls for the creation of state police and other decentralised security structures to improve intelligence gathering, enhance local accountability, and ensure quicker responses to security challenges.
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The church leaders noted with concern the recent wave of attacks, kidnappings, and killings in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, and Kogi, warning that the continued loss of lives poses a serious threat to national unity, stability, and development.
CAN also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims currently being held by criminal groups. It urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that all captives regain their freedom.
In addition, the association called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks, including support for displaced persons seeking to return to their communities.
The organisation further urged political leaders to focus on addressing insecurity rather than engaging in early political campaigns and defections ahead of future elections.
According to CAN, national security and the protection of citizens should take precedence over political calculations, stressing that communities under constant attack need urgent attention and support.
The association also appealed to labour unions, professional bodies, civil society organisations, student groups, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable and ensuring sustained action against insecurity.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity, CAN called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political lines to unite in confronting what it described as a national emergency.
The association concluded by pledging to continue engaging government institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders through advocacy, dialogue, and prayer in pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria.
