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 the conclusions made at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja under the subject “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
In a communiqué released 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 honor of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity,” the communique stated.
Church leaders expressed serious worry about the rising violence, kidnappings, terrorist acts, and damage to 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 group reminded the federal government that the protection of lives and property is its primary constitutional responsibility, and it demanded immediate, decisive, and concrete action to cease the violence and restore public trust.
CAN also advocated for a thorough examination of the country’s security architecture, improved intelligence collection, strengthened interagency coordination, and increased operational efficacy in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
“CAN notes with concern the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms and criticizes the 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 also pushed for an immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the development of state police and other lawful decentralized security mechanisms to improve intelligence collecting, response time, and local accountability.
The summit expressed concern about the growing wave of attacks across the country, including mass abductions, killings, and assaults in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi, and other states, and warned 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 pupils, teachers, and other civilians held by criminal gangs and encouraged security agencies to step up rescue efforts until all victims were released.
The association also advocated for the creation of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement program for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent acts, as well as the safe return and protection of displaced people in their home areas.
On ways to mobilize public action, CAN decided to increase lobbying, civic participation, and ongoing communication with the presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders.
The association also criticized the persistent emphasis on political calculations, defections, and premature electioneering while many areas are under siege, urging political leaders and parties to prioritize 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 urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society organizations, professional associations, and traditional institutions to work together to hold the government accountable and ensure a long-term commitment to protecting lives and property.
The church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice, and the defense of human dignity, while calling all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to stand together in defense of human life, national security, and the greater good.
CAN thanked church leaders and delegates from around the country for their dedication to peace, justice, security, and national rejuvenation and reaffirmed their desire to continue praying, advocating, and engaging constructively for Nigeria’s good.
“CAN reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice, and the defense of human dignity.
“CAN calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to unite in defense of human life, national security, and the common good, recognizing that the current security crisis constitutes a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action,” the communique stated.
