CAN Declares Three-Day National Mourning, Calls for Security Emergency

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a three-day national mourning period starting June 12, 2026, in response to escalating insecurity across the country and urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on national security.

The decision followed resolutions at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 in Abuja, held under the theme “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, CAN designated Sunday, June 14, 2026, as ‘Black Sunday’ across churches nationwide, in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families.

The church leaders expressed deep concern over rising killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and destruction of communities, condemning acts of murder, abduction, torture, rape, and forced displacement.

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CAN emphasized that protecting lives and property is the Federal Government’s foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive measures to restore public confidence.

The association called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and enhanced operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.

Church leaders criticized the recurring reliance on conciliatory rhetoric by government officials and urged a more proactive, results-driven approach to national security.

They also recommended accelerating the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to improve rapid response, local accountability, and intelligence gathering.

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The summit highlighted the growing wave of attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi, and other states, warning that continued assaults on life, freedom, and dignity threaten national stability, unity, and development.

CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens, urging security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

The association further called for a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks, alongside the safe return of displaced persons.

On civic engagement, CAN pledged to intensify advocacy and dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to hold the government accountable for protecting citizens.

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The body also criticized political distractions, defections, and premature electioneering, stressing that leaders must prioritize security and national stability over partisan interests.

CAN appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, and traditional institutions to collaborate in securing lives and property.

The church reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice, and the defense of human dignity, urging all Nigerians to unite in protecting life and promoting the common good.

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