The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared a three-day national mourning period over 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 resolutions reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the mourning period will begin on Friday, 12 June 2026, and end on Sunday, 14 June 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 communiqué stated.
CAN condemns killings, kidnappings
The church leaders expressed deep concern over escalating violence, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and destruction of communities across Nigeria.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
The association stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the constitutional responsibility of the government and demanded urgent action to end insecurity.
Call for security reforms, state police
CAN urged the Federal Government to overhaul the country’s security architecture, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve inter-agency cooperation and adopt a more decisive approach to tackling terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
The association criticised what it described as weak responses by some government officials to worsening insecurity.
“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,” it added.
The body also advocated the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures.
According to the church leaders, such reforms would improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.
Concern over rising attacks across states
The summit highlighted growing attacks, killings and abductions in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that the continued assault on lives and communities poses a threat to national unity and stability.
CAN demanded the unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens being held by criminal groups.
The association also called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until all victims regain their freedom.
Appeal to Nigerians, civil society groups
The Christian body urged organisations including the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, student bodies, traditional institutions and civil society groups to join efforts aimed at holding the government accountable on security matters.
CAN also criticised the growing focus on political defections and early electioneering while insecurity continues to affect communities across the country.
“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 added.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, national unity and the defence of human dignity.
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