● Declares June 14 “Black Sunday
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security across the country, citing escalating killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and widespread insecurity that have left many communities devastated.
The demand formed the highlight of a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
The summit brought together leaders of major Christian denominations and blocs across the country, including representatives of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN/ECWA, alongside legal practitioners, security experts and church leaders from the six geopolitical zones.
In the communiqué signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as an unprecedented wave of violence sweeping across Nigeria, including attacks on communities, schools, churches and farming settlements.
The church leaders lamented that citizens were being kidnapped from their homes and workplaces, travellers abducted on highways, farmers driven from their lands and innocent men, women and children killed, maimed or displaced by criminal and terrorist groups.
According to the communiqué, participants observed with concern the growing sophistication of criminal networks and the apparent inability of existing security arrangements to adequately protect citizens and their communities.
The summit noted that thousands of Nigerians remain displaced from their ancestral homes while many victims of violence receive little support, justice or compensation.
CAN specifically recalled recent incidents of mass abductions, killings and attacks in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that the continued assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to national stability, unity and development.
As part of its resolutions, the association condemned what it described as the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens.
The church body urged the Federal Government to take urgent, decisive and measurable steps to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s foremost constitutional responsibility.
CAN also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
The association renewed calls for the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures, arguing that such measures would improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.
In addition, CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by kidnappers and criminal groups across the country.
The summit further called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, as well as the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.
Beyond government action, CAN urged churches nationwide to strengthen support systems for victims of violence through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.
The association also announced a three-day period of national mourning beginning Friday, June 12, 2026, and ending Sunday, June 14, 2026. It designated June 14 as “Black Sunday,” during which churches across Nigeria are expected to honour victims of violence and show solidarity with affected families.
CAN expressed concern that political defections and early electioneering activities were continuing while many communities remained under siege. It called on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus on restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.
The association also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace and justice, CAN called on Nigerians of all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds to unite in defence of human life and national security, describing the current security situation as a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.
The summit concluded with an expression of appreciation to church leaders and delegates from across the country for their commitment to national peace, justice, security and renewal, while reaffirming the Church’s resolve to remain united in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria.