Insecurity: CAN declares three-day national mourning

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period over the worsening security situation in the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”

The summit, attended by leaders of major Christian denominations, church administrators, legal practitioners, security experts and representatives from across the six geopolitical zones, reviewed the state of the nation and expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity, economic hardship and declining public confidence in state institutions.

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CAN said the gathering was convened against the backdrop of increasing attacks on communities, churches, schools, and vulnerable groups across the country.

The association noted that kidnappings, killings, terrorist attacks, and the displacement of communities had reached alarming levels, with citizens being abducted from their homes, workplaces, and highways, while many farmers had been forced off their lands.

Participants at the summit lamented what they described as the continued loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, and trauma suffered by victims and their families.

The Christian body cited recent incidents of mass abductions and attacks in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that the persistent assault on human life and dignity posed a serious threat to national stability and development.

In one of its major resolutions, CAN called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and take urgent measures to halt the wave of violence across the country.

The association also urged a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.

CAN further renewed calls for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures, arguing that such measures would enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.

The organisation demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens being held by criminal groups, while urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations.

It also called for the creation of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks.

According to the communiqué, churches across the country were encouraged to strengthen support systems for displaced persons and victims of violence through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, and youth engagement programmes.

As part of efforts to honour victims of insecurity, CAN declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, which will run until Sunday, June 14.

The association also designated June 14 as “Black Sunday” and directed churches nationwide to observe the day in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families.

CAN expressed concern over what it described as increasing political activities and defections at a time when many communities remain under attack, urging political leaders to prioritise security and national stability over political interests.

The association called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), civil society organisations, student bodies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.

CAN also pledged to intensify advocacy, civic engagement, and dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, and the National Assembly in pursuit of lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.