The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, over the worsening security situation in the country.
The decision was announced following the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja on Tuesday under the theme “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, CAN said the mourning period will run from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026.
It further declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” across churches nationwide in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.
“CAN declares Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning… CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as ‘Black Sunday’ across churches in Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
The association expressed deep concern over escalating insecurity across the country, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and destruction of communities.
It strongly condemned what it described as persistent violent crimes against innocent citizens and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide.
“CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria… and calls on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security across the country,” it said.
The group stressed that the protection of lives and property is a constitutional duty of government and urged urgent, measurable action to restore public confidence.
It also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger coordination among security agencies.
CAN criticised what it described as weak intelligence coordination and called for a more decisive and results-driven approach to tackling insecurity.
The association further advocated for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to improve rapid response and local accountability.
It noted rising attacks in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, and Kogi, warning that continued violence poses a serious threat to national stability.
CAN demanded the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren and other victims still held by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations.
It also proposed a compensation and rehabilitation programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks, as well as safe resettlement for displaced persons.
The church leaders called on political actors to prioritise national security over political competition, warning against what it described as distractions from governance.
“CAN calls on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security,” the communiqué added.
The association also urged civil society groups, labour unions, professional bodies, and traditional institutions to support efforts aimed at holding government accountable on security.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, and unity, while calling on Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines to work together in addressing the security crisis.
It described the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action from all stakeholders.
