The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, in response to rising insecurity across the country, while also calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security.
Rising from its National Church Denominational Leaders Summit in Abuja, CAN said the mourning will run from June 12 to June 14, with Sunday, June 14 designated as “Black Sunday” in churches nationwide to honour victims of violence and show solidarity with affected families.
The association expressed deep concern over escalating killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and displacement across several states, describing the situation as a national crisis requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
It condemned what it called “barbaric acts” of murder, abduction and destruction of communities, stressing that government must prioritise its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
CAN also urged a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency coordination to tackle insecurity more effectively.
The body further renewed calls for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised security structures would improve response time, intelligence gathering and local accountability.
Beyond mourning, CAN demanded the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other victims currently in captivity, and called for compensation and rehabilitation programmes for those affected by violence.
It also urged political leaders to shift focus from political activities and electioneering to urgent national security concerns, warning that continued attacks threaten national stability.
CAN concluded by calling on civil society groups, labour unions, professional bodies and traditional institutions to support efforts aimed at restoring safety and rebuilding public confidence.
