Insecurity: CAN declares national black Sunday

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a nationwide “Black Sunday” to honour the victims of worsening insecurity across the country.

Describing the ongoing wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated, the religious body called on the Church to speak with one unified voice against the bleeding of the nation.

In a message directed to the Christian faithful, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh explained that the solemn observance was dedicated to mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, and students whose lives have been cut short or severely disrupted by criminal elements.

Coinciding with the nation’s Democracy Day celebrations, the association pointed out that a true democracy is built on the sanctity of human life and the rule of law.

CAN emphasised that there is no better way to honour the historical sacrifices of Nigeria’s democratic journey than by ensuring a secure environment where every citizen can live, work, and worship without fear.

Expressing deep solidarity with bereaved families, traumatised victims, and internally displaced persons, the Christian body offered prayers for divine comfort and national healing.

However, the message also contained a direct charge to political leaders, with CAN calling on governments at all levels to live up to their sacred, constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property through urgent and decisive security interventions.

ALSO READ: Tension deepens as Peggy Ovire urges Freddie Leonard to appear in divorce proceedings

Beyond its appeal to the government, CAN urged churches, faith-based hospitals, schools, and mission institutions to actively step up local vigilance and emergency preparedness.

“Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Our nation is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear.”

“Democracy is founded on the sanctity and dignity of human life, the rule of law, justice, and the protection of citizens. Therefore, there can be no more fitting way to honour the sacrifices that birthed our democracy than by recommitting ourselves to building a nation where every Nigerian can live, work, worship, and travel in safety,” the association stated.

In the face of prevailing threats, the association stated that collaborating with local security networks and maintaining high situational awareness have become necessary defense responsibilities.

The leadership concluded by urging Nigerians not to succumb to fear, but to instead allow the national day of mourning to deepen communal compassion and strengthen the collective pursuit of peace and justice.