The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has delivered one of its strongest warnings yet over the worsening security situation in the country. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the apex Christian body called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security nationwide, describing the current wave of violence as deeply alarming and unsustainable.
In a statement marked by urgency and emotion, CAN also announced a three-day period of national mourning to honor victims of killings, abductions, and displacement across Nigeria. The mourning period will conclude with a nationwide observance tagged “Black Sunday,” a solemn moment for reflection, prayer, and collective grief.
Below is a detailed account of what transpired at the summit, the realities behind CAN’s position, and the broader implications for the country.
The Summit: Assessing the State of the Nation
The resolutions were reached during the 2026 National Church Denominational Leaders Summit, held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The gathering brought together leading clerics, church administrators, and regional representatives to evaluate the current condition of the nation and chart a way forward.
Delivering the official communiqué, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh spoke candidly about the depth of the crisis, stating that the association could no longer remain silent while Nigerians continue to suffer.
“Communities are under attack. Citizens are kidnapped from homes and workplaces. Travelers are abducted on highways. Farmers are forced off their land. Innocent men, women, and children are being killed, maimed, displaced, and in some cases brutally executed by criminal and terrorist elements.”
Archbishop Okoh emphasized that CAN’s position is not politically motivated nor intended as a criticism of the current administration. Rather, he described it as a necessary call for the government to fulfill its fundamental responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
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Why CAN is Calling for Urgent Action
According to discussions at the summit, Nigeria’s security challenges have grown beyond routine control and now require extraordinary intervention. Several key concerns were highlighted:
- Widening Spread of Violence
Leaders noted that violent attacks are no longer limited to traditional hotspots. Incidents of kidnappings, killings, and raids have been reported in states once considered relatively safe, including Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Kogi, and parts of Borno. This expansion has heightened fears that no region is truly secure.
- Rising Humanitarian Crisis
Clerics raised concerns about the scale of internal displacement across the country. It was revealed that more than 12 million Nigerians have been forced from their homes due to ongoing violence, with many now living in overcrowded Internally Displaced Persons camps under difficult conditions.
- Economic Pressure and Food Insecurity
The insecurity crisis is also taking a heavy toll on the economy. Farmers are unable to access their lands due to fear of attacks, leading to reduced agricultural output and rising food prices. Combined with fuel costs exceeding ₦1,000 per litre and a minimum wage that struggles to meet basic needs, many Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship.
National Mourning and “Black Sunday”
To reflect the gravity of the situation and honor victims, CAN has declared a structured period of remembrance:
- June 12 to June 14, 2026: A nationwide period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and reflection for those affected by insecurity
- June 14, 2026: A special observance known as “Black Sunday,” during which churches across the country will hold services focused on mourning, unity, and calls for both divine and governmental intervention
This initiative is intended to serve as both a spiritual response and a symbolic expression of national grief.
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CAN’s Five Key Demands
CAN outlined a series of measures it believes are necessary to address the crisis effectively. The association stressed that symbolic gestures and repeated assurances are no longer sufficient.
- Comprehensive Security Reform
A complete reassessment of the country’s security structure is needed to ensure that current strategies match the scale and complexity of modern threats.
- State Policing Framework
CAN expressed strong support for the establishment of state police, urging lawmakers and the executive to expedite constitutional changes that would allow local authorities to play a more direct role in community security.
- Improved Intelligence Coordination
The association highlighted the need for better collaboration among security agencies, noting that poor intelligence sharing has often left authorities reacting after attacks rather than preventing them.
- Transparency in Security Spending
There were calls for greater accountability in how defense funds are allocated and used, with an emphasis on holding officials responsible for failures or misuse of resources.
- Legal Self-Defense Measures
While acknowledging the natural instinct for self-preservation, CAN advised citizens to operate strictly within the law when protecting themselves and their communities.
Pressure Mounts on the Federal Government
The call for a state of emergency places significant responsibility on the Federal Government. While President Bola Tinubu has previously pointed out that structural reforms such as military upgrades and policing changes require time, CAN maintains that the urgency of the situation demands faster and more decisive action.
The association also indicated that it will continue to engage both publicly and through institutional channels to ensure that its concerns are addressed.
As the scheduled days of mourning approach, attention is shifting to the Presidency and relevant authorities. Nigerians are watching closely to see whether this strong appeal will lead to immediate policy action or further discussions.
The coming weeks may prove critical in determining how the country responds to one of its most pressing challenges.
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