General News
CAN Demands Security Emergency as Killings, Kidnappings and Terror Attacks Escalate Across Nigeria
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over the rising wave of violence across the country, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities.
The Christian body also strongly condemned the acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being carried out against innocent citizens.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held in Abuja, CAN President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh, reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its primary constitutional responsibility. He urged the government to take urgent, decisive and measurable actions to end the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
Presenting some of the resolutions reached at the one-day summit, Most Reverend Okoh called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture. He advocated enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
He stated that church leaders also demanded the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures capable of improving intelligence gathering, ensuring rapid response and promoting local accountability.
According to him, there is a need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to address the growing threats to national peace and stability.
“The summit demands the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements across the country and calls on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom,” he said.
Most Reverend Okoh noted that church leaders resolved that churches nationwide should strengthen support systems for victims of violence, displaced persons and affected communities through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peace-building initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.
He also demanded the safe return, protection and resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.
“CAN affirms that prayer must be matched with action and resolves to intensify advocacy, civic engagement and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders,” he stated.
He further announced that the Christian body has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as the beginning of a three-day national mourning period, which will continue until Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as BLACK SUNDAY across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity,” he added.
The association also called on political leaders and political parties to set aside divisive political activities and focus attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public trust.
Most Reverend Okoh stressed the need for organisations such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions and all well-meaning Nigerians to join CAN in holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
The CAN President expressed appreciation to church leaders, bloc leaders, denominational leaders, delegates and participants from across the country for their commitment, unity, courage and patriotism in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
“Church leaders reaffirm their resolve to remain united, vigilant and steadfast in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria, while trusting God to guide the nation towards peace, security, justice and lasting prosperity,” he said.
