Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a three-day period of national mourning from 12 to 14 June over what it described as worsening insecurity, and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide.
The decision was reached at CAN’s National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday, held under the theme "The State of the Nation and the Way Forward."
In a communique issued after the meeting, CAN said Friday 12 June would be the start of the mourning period, which will run through Sunday 14 June.
It designated 14 June as "Black Sunday" across churches in Nigeria "in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity."
Church leaders voiced "profound alarm" at the rise in killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities.
They condemned what they termed "baric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement" and urged the government to act with urgency.
"The protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility," CAN said, demanding "urgent, decisive and measurable action" to end the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
CAN also called for a full review of the country’s security architecture, better intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and faster operational response against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
It criticised what it called repeated "conciliatory and pacifist rhetoric" from senior officials and urged a "more decisive, proactive and results-oriented approach."
The association backed the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for state police and other lawful decentralised security structures, arguing these would improve local intelligence, response times and accountability.
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It pointed to recent attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states, warning that continued violence threatened national stability, unity and development.
CAN demanded the "immediate and unconditional release" of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens, and asked security agencies to intensify rescue operations until every victim was freed.
It also called for a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism and kidnapping, and for the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.
To mobilise wider action, CAN said it would step up advocacy and dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other stakeholders.
It urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society groups, professional associations and traditional institutions to join efforts to hold the government accountable.
The association also criticised the focus on political calculations and early electioneering while communities remain under siege, and urged political parties to "suspend divisive political distractions" and prioritise security.
CAN restated its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and human dignity, and called on all Nigerians "irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation" to unite in defence of life and national security.
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