CAN Declares National Mourning Over Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared a three-day national mourning period over the worsening insecurity across the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide.

The resolution was reached during the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held on Tuesday in Abuja with the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, CAN announced that the mourning period would begin on Friday, June 12, 2026, and end on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The association also designated Sunday, June 14, as “Black Sunday” to honour victims of violence and express solidarity with families affected by insecurity across the country.

The church leaders expressed deep concern over the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, abductions and destruction of communities in different parts of Nigeria.

CAN strongly condemned acts of murder, torture, rape, beheading, forced displacement and other violent crimes being perpetrated against innocent citizens, insisting that urgent action was needed to halt the bloodshed.

According to the communiqué, the Federal Government must recognise that the protection of lives and property remains its primary constitutional responsibility and take immediate, decisive and measurable steps to restore public confidence.

The association called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced operational strategies to combat terrorism, banditry and violent crimes.

CAN further criticised what it described as weak intelligence coordination and the recurring use of conciliatory rhetoric by some government officials in addressing grave security threats.

The church leaders urged authorities to adopt a more proactive, firm and result-driven approach to national security management.

The summit also advocated the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to strengthen local intelligence and rapid response capabilities.

CAN noted with concern the increasing wave of attacks, mass abductions and killings reported in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that the persistent assaults on human life and dignity threaten national unity, stability and development.

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

In addition, CAN called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, including displaced persons forced to flee their communities.

The body also resolved to intensify advocacy and sustained engagement with the Presidency, National Assembly, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure greater accountability in addressing the security crisis.

CAN criticised the growing focus on political alignments, defections and premature electioneering activities despite the worsening insecurity situation, urging political leaders to prioritise national safety and stability over partisan interests.

The association further called on organised labour, professional bodies, student organisations, civil society groups and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, CAN urged Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in confronting insecurity and safeguarding the nation’s future.

The association also appreciated church leaders and delegates across the country for their commitment to national renewal, prayer and constructive engagement toward a safer and more peaceful Nigeria.