CAN Declares June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, Calls for National Security Emergency Over Rising Insecurity ‎

CAN Declares June 14 ‘Black Sunday’, Calls for National Security Emergency Over Rising Insecurity
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‎By Ruben Onoh
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a national security emergency in response to the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and other violent crimes across the country.
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‎The call was made during the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja, where Christian leaders from various denominations reviewed the prevailing security challenges and their impact on communities nationwide.
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‎As part of the resolutions reached at the summit, CAN announced a three-day national mourning period scheduled to be held from June 12 to June 14, 2026. The association also designated June 14 as “Black Sunday” to honour victims of insecurity and violent attacks across the country.
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‎Presenting the summit’s communiqué, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern over the continued loss of lives, mass abductions, and displacement of citizens, stressing that urgent and coordinated measures are required to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of Nigerians.
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‎According to the communiqué, CAN strongly condemned acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, kidnapping, and forced displacement perpetrated against innocent citizens, describing them as unacceptable violations of human dignity and national security.
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‎The association noted that several communities remain vulnerable to attacks, while schools, places of worship, and major transportation routes continue to face security threats. It warned that the worsening situation requires immediate and decisive intervention from relevant authorities.
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‎CAN urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, and enhance operational efficiency in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime.
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‎The church leaders also reiterated their support for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security frameworks, arguing that such measures would improve local intelligence gathering and facilitate faster responses to emerging threats.
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‎Furthermore, the association cautioned political leaders against allowing partisan interests and political activities to overshadow the urgent responsibility of protecting lives and property, emphasizing that national security should remain a top governance priority.
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‎CAN called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren and other citizens currently in captivity. It also advocated comprehensive rehabilitation programmes and adequate compensation for victims and communities affected by violent attacks.
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‎The association reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with government institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders, maintaining that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the state and a fundamental requirement for national stability and development.