The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day period of national mourning over the worsening security crisis in the country and called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security.
The decision was among a series of resolutions adopted at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, held in Abuja on Tuesday under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward”.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the gathering, church leaders announced that the mourning period would begin on Friday, 12 June, and run until Sunday, 14 June, in honour of victims of violence and insecurity across Nigeria.
The association also designated Sunday, 14 June, as “Black Sunday”, calling on churches nationwide to observe the day in solidarity with families affected by killings, kidnappings and other forms of violence.
Church leaders expressed deep concern over what they described as an escalating wave of insecurity marked by terrorist attacks, abductions, killings and the destruction of communities.
“CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities,” the communiqué stated.
The organisation condemned what it called “barbaric acts” of murder, torture, rape, beheading, forced displacement and abduction, arguing that the scale of the crisis now demands extraordinary action from the government.
CAN reminded the federal authorities that safeguarding lives and property remains their primary constitutional obligation and urged them to take urgent, measurable steps to halt the violence and restore public confidence.
The association called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, including stronger intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and greater operational effectiveness in tackling terrorism, banditry and organised crime.
Church leaders also criticised what they described as persistent shortcomings in intelligence and security coordination, warning that official responses to grave security threats had too often been characterised by conciliatory rhetoric rather than decisive action.
“CAN urges a more proactive, results-oriented approach to national security,” the communiqué said.
Among its recommendations was the accelerated establishment of state police and other constitutionally recognised decentralised security structures, which it argued would improve local intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities and accountability.
The summit highlighted recent attacks, mass abductions and killings reported in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, warning that continued assaults on human life and dignity posed a serious threat to national cohesion and development.
The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens being held captive by criminal groups, while urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations until all victims regain their freedom.
CAN also called for the creation of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, including measures to facilitate the safe return of displaced people to their communities.
Beyond security reforms, the association pledged to intensify advocacy and engagement with the Presidency, the National Assembly, security agencies and other stakeholders in an effort to sustain pressure for meaningful action.
The church leaders also criticised what they described as the growing focus on political manoeuvring, defections and early electioneering at a time when many communities remain under threat.
“Political leaders and parties should suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence,” the communiqué said.
CAN further appealed to organised labour, professional bodies, student groups, civil society organisations and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, while calling on Nigerians of all ethnic, religious and political backgrounds to unite in confronting what it described as a collective national emergency.
“The current security crisis constitutes a national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action,” the church leaders said, urging citizens to work together in defence of human life, national security and the common good.
The summit concluded with a renewed pledge by church leaders to continue advocating for peace, justice and national renewal through prayer, public engagement and constructive dialogue.
