The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12–14, designating June 14 as “Black Sunday” in protest against worsening insecurity across the country.
The resolutions emerged from a National Church Denominational Leaders Summit in Abuja, where representatives of CAN’s five blocs cited escalating killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and mass displacement affecting communities in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reading the summit communiqué, called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. The body also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens held by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations nationwide.
On self-defence, the summit said citizens should be permitted to protect themselves within the law, amid growing concerns over the failure of existing security arrangements to safeguard lives and property.
CAN renewed calls for the establishment of state police and decentralised security structures, and urged a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, stronger inter-agency coordination and improved operational effectiveness against terrorism and banditry.
The Christian body criticised authorities for inadequate responses to persistent security threats, expressing concern that political and electioneering activities were receiving priority while communities remained under attack.
Churches nationwide are expected to observe Black Sunday in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families. CAN also called on labour unions, civil society groups and traditional institutions to join efforts holding government accountable, as church leaders pledged continued unity in prayer, advocacy and peacebuilding.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12–14, designating June 14 as “Black Sunday” in protest against worsening insecurity across the country.
The resolutions emerged from a National Church Denominational Leaders Summit in Abuja, where representatives of CAN’s five blocs cited escalating killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and mass displacement affecting communities in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reading the summit communiqué, called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. The body also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens held by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations nationwide.
On self-defence, the summit said citizens should be permitted to protect themselves within the law, amid growing concerns over the failure of existing security arrangements to safeguard lives and property.
CAN renewed calls for the establishment of state police and decentralised security structures, and urged a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, stronger inter-agency coordination and improved operational effectiveness against terrorism and banditry.
The Christian body criticised authorities for inadequate responses to persistent security threats, expressing concern that political and electioneering activities were receiving priority while communities remained under attack.
Churches nationwide are expected to observe Black Sunday in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families. CAN also called on labour unions, civil society groups and traditional institutions to join efforts holding government accountable, as church leaders pledged continued unity in prayer, advocacy and peacebuilding.
