CAN Declares Three-Day National Mourning Over Escalating Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period across the country in response to the worsening security situation, calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security.

The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja. The document was signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

The summit, themed *“The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,”* brought together leaders of major Christian denominations, church administrators, legal experts, security professionals and representatives from across the six geopolitical zones.

Participants reviewed the security and socio-economic conditions in the country and expressed deep concern over rising attacks on communities, churches, schools and vulnerable populations.

CAN said the country was facing an alarming surge in kidnappings, killings, terrorist attacks and mass displacement, with citizens increasingly targeted in homes, workplaces, roads and farmlands.

The association cited recurring violent incidents across several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that the continued loss of lives and destruction of livelihoods posed a serious threat to national stability.

In its resolutions, CAN called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency on security and undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.

It urged improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination and greater accountability in tackling terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.

The Christian body also renewed its call for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve response time, enhance intelligence and strengthen local security management.

CAN further 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 nationwide.

It also called for a national framework for compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of terrorism and violent attacks, noting that many families remain displaced and traumatised.

According to the communiqué, churches across Nigeria were encouraged to expand humanitarian support, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives and youth engagement programmes for affected communities.

As part of its response to the crisis, CAN announced a three-day national mourning period beginning Friday, June 12, 2026, and ending Sunday, June 14, 2026.

It further declared June 14 as “Black Sunday,” directing churches across the country to dedicate services to prayers and remembrance for victims of insecurity.

The association also expressed concern over rising political activities and defections amid ongoing violence in several communities, urging political leaders to prioritise national security over partisan interests.

CAN called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, student unions, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to join efforts in demanding stronger government action on security.

It pledged continued engagement with the Presidency, the National Assembly and security agencies, saying sustained advocacy and dialogue remained essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.