CAN national mourning begins June 12 as church leaders demand a state of emergency on security across Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12 and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security amid escalating violence, kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the country.

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The decision formed part of resolutions adopted at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja on Tuesday under 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 national mourning period would run from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The association also designated Sunday, June 14, as “Black Sunday” in churches nationwide to honour victims of violence and demonstrate solidarity with families affected by insecurity.

“CAN declares Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, to continue through Sunday, June 14, 2026,” the communiqué stated.

“CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as ‘Black Sunday’ across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.”

The church leaders expressed profound concern over what they described as the worsening security situation in Nigeria, citing persistent killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities in several parts of the country.

The communiqué condemned acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement, describing them as barbaric and unacceptable.

As part of its resolutions, CAN urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and take urgent, measurable steps to restore public confidence and protect citizens.

The association reminded authorities that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s primary constitutional responsibility.

CAN also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, stronger intelligence gathering systems, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and improved operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.

The church leaders criticised what they described as recurring conciliatory rhetoric from some government officials in response to serious security threats.

“CAN notes with concern the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms and criticises recurring resort to conciliatory and pacifist rhetoric by senior government officials in response to grave security threats,” the communiqué said.

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

Participants expressed concern over recent attacks and abductions reported in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that continued assaults on human life and freedom pose a significant threat to national unity, stability and development.

CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by criminal groups.

The association also urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that all victims regain their freedom.

In addition, the church leaders called for the creation of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, as well as measures to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.

The summit resolved to strengthen advocacy efforts and maintain sustained engagement with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to address the security crisis.

CAN also criticised what it described as growing political distractions, including defections and premature electioneering activities, while many communities continue to face security challenges.

“CAN, therefore, calls on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence,” the communiqué stated.

The association called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at promoting accountability and strengthening national security.

While reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the protection of human dignity, CAN urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides to unite in confronting what it described as a collective national emergency.

The association also commended church leaders and delegates who attended the summit for their continued commitment to peace, security and national renewal.

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CAN maintained that sustained prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement would remain central to its efforts to support national stability and the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.