The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14 in honour of victims of violent attacks, mass abductions, and banditry across the country.
The association also designated June 14 as “Black Sunday” across churches nationwide as a show of solidarity with families affected by the ongoing security crisis.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, announced the decision in Abuja on Tuesday while presenting a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held at the National Christian Centre.
The summit, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together senior church leaders to review the country’s security and humanitarian challenges.
Okoh expressed concern over the rising wave of violence across several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, and Kogi, citing killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities.
He urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on national security, arguing that urgent action was needed to halt the ongoing bloodshed.
According to him, communities remain under constant attack, with citizens kidnapped from homes, workplaces, and highways, while others are killed, displaced, or subjected to brutal violence.
The CAN President criticised what he described as a tendency by government officials to respond to insecurity with conciliatory rhetoric, calling instead for a more decisive and results-driven approach.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture.
Okoh also advocated improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and greater accountability within security operations, while supporting the creation of state police through constitutional and legislative reforms.
He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens currently held by criminal groups.
On humanitarian response, he called for a national programme for compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement of victims of terrorism and displaced families.
He further urged churches across the country to strengthen humanitarian support, trauma care, and peace-building initiatives within their communities.
Okoh expressed concern that political activities, including defections and electioneering, were increasingly taking attention away from pressing security challenges.
He called on political leaders to prioritise national security, while urging labour unions, civil society organisations, and traditional rulers to work together in holding government accountable.
The CAN President reaffirmed the church’s commitment to peace, unity, and justice, noting that prayers must be supported with sustained civic engagement and advocacy.