The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, in response to the worsening security situation across the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide.
The decision formed part of the resolutions reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, held on Tuesday in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the summit, CAN announced that the mourning period would run from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with the final day designated as “Black Sunday” in churches across Nigeria to honour victims of violence and show solidarity with families affected by insecurity.
The association expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities in various parts of the country.
“CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities,” the communiqué stated.
The Christian body strongly condemned what it described as barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement of innocent citizens, insisting that the Federal Government must take urgent and decisive measures to address the crisis.
According to the communiqué, the protection of lives and property remains the government's foremost constitutional responsibility. CAN therefore called for immediate, measurable and results-oriented action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence in the nation's security institutions.
The association also advocated a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced operational effectiveness in tackling terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
CAN further expressed concern over what it described as shortcomings in intelligence coordination and criticised the recurring use of conciliatory rhetoric by some government officials in response to serious security threats.
The church leaders urged authorities to adopt a more proactive and decisive approach to national security while accelerating constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures to strengthen local intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities.
The summit highlighted the increasing frequency of attacks across several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that continued assaults on human life, freedom and dignity pose a grave threat to national unity, stability and development.
CAN also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens held by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations until all victims 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, as well as measures to facilitate the safe return and protection of displaced persons in their communities.
As part of efforts to mobilise broader national action, CAN resolved to intensify advocacy, civic engagement and dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders.
The association also criticised the continued focus on political manoeuvring, defections and early electioneering activities at a time when many communities remain under siege.
“CAN therefore calls on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence,” the communiqué stated.
The body appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, student groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at ensuring government accountability and a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, CAN urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides to unite in confronting the nation’s security challenges.
The association described the prevailing insecurity as a collective national emergency requiring urgent, coordinated and sustained action from government and citizens alike.
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