The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12 over the worsening security situation in the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security across Nigeria.
The decision was part of 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 end of the summit, the body announced that Friday, June 12, 2026, would mark the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning ending on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“CAN declares Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, to continue through Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as ‘Black Sunday’ across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity,” the communique stated.
The church leaders expressed deep concern over escalating violence, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities across the country.
“CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities.
“CAN condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens, and calls on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security across the country,” the communiqué stated.
The association reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive and measurable action to end the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
CAN also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and enhanced operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
“CAN notes with concern the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms and criticises recurring resort to conciliatory and pacifist rhetoric by senior government officials in response to grave security threats.
“CAN urges a more decisive, proactive and results-oriented approach to national security,” it added.
The church leaders further advocated the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.
The summit noted with concern the growing wave of attacks across the country, including mass abductions, killings and assaults in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states, warning that continued attacks on human life, freedom and dignity posed a serious threat to national stability, unity and development.
CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens being held by criminal groups and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until all victims regain their freedom.
The association also 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 and protection of displaced persons in their ancestral communities.
On measures to mobilise public action, CAN resolved to intensify advocacy, civic engagement and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
The association also criticised what it described as the continued focus on political calculations, defections and premature electioneering activities while many communities remain under siege, urging political leaders and parties to prioritise security and national stability.
“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 communique read.
CAN called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding the government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
The church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, while urging all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security and the common good.
CAN expressed appreciation to church leaders and delegates from across the country for their commitment to peace, justice, security and national renewal, while reaffirming their resolve to remain united in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria.
“CAN reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity.
“CAN calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security and the common good, recognising that the current security crisis constitutes a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action,” the communique stated.
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