CAN Declares Three-Day National Mourning, Demands State of Emergency Over Rising Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, in response to the worsening security situation across the country. The association also called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide, citing escalating violence and insecurity.

The decision was reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held on Tuesday in Abuja, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.” In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, CAN said the mourning period would run from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14, 2026.

According to the association, Sunday, June 14, will be observed as “Black Sunday” in churches across the country in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity. CAN expressed deep concern over rising killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and destruction of communities nationwide.

The body strongly condemned what it described as barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abductions and forced displacement of innocent citizens. It stressed that the Federal Government has a constitutional duty to protect lives and property and urged urgent, decisive and measurable action to end the crisis.

CAN further called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency coordination and more effective operations against terrorism, banditry and violent crime. It also advocated for the creation of state police and other decentralised security structures to enhance local response and accountability.

The association urged political leaders to prioritise national security over political activities, including defections and election preparations, warning that many communities remain under attack. It also called for the release of abducted schoolchildren and other victims, compensation and rehabilitation for those affected by violence, and greater collaboration among civil society groups, labour unions and professional bodies to demand accountability and improved security nationwide.


Elijah Adeyemi