By Debo Omilani
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day period of national mourning from June 12 to June 14, 2026, over the worsening insecurity across the country and designated Sunday, June 14, as Black Sunday in churches nationwide.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, announced the decision on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 2026 Summit of National Church Denominational Leaders held in Oyo State.
The summit, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together church leaders from across the country to deliberate on Nigeria’s growing security, economic and social challenges and chart a path towards national renewal, peace and justice.
Archbishop Okoh called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by criminal groups, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations until every victim regains freedom.
He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the country, citing recurring cases of mass abductions, killings, attacks on farming communities, terrorist activities in the North-East and the spread of kidnapping and violent crimes to areas previously considered safe.
According to the summit communiqué, participants condemned the continued abduction of citizens from homes, workplaces and highways, as well as attacks on churches, schools and vulnerable communities. They also raised concerns over the growing sophistication of criminal networks and what they described as inadequate security measures to effectively protect lives and property.
The church leaders lamented the displacement of thousands of Nigerians from their ancestral communities, the destruction of livelihoods and the psychological trauma suffered by victims and their families. They warned that the persistent assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to national unity, peace and development.
CAN further called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks. The association said families who have lost loved ones, individuals who sustained permanent injuries and communities whose homes, schools, churches and means of livelihood have been destroyed deserve justice, support and restoration.
The association also demanded the safe return and resettlement of displaced persons under adequate security guarantees and urged churches across the country to strengthen support systems for victims through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.
While stressing that insecurity requires a collective response, CAN called on security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to work together in addressing threats to national peace and stability.
The association pledged to intensify advocacy and engagement with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other stakeholders, insisting that prayer must be matched with concrete action.
CAN also expressed concern over ongoing political activities amid widespread insecurity, urging political leaders and parties to focus on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.
The association called on organised labour, student bodies, professional associations, traditional institutions and civil society organisations to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable and ensuring sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, CAN said the national mourning period and Black Sunday observance would honour victims of violence and demonstrate solidarity with families affected by insecurity across Nigeria.
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