ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised the alarm over the worsening wave of killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the country, urging the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security before the situation spirals further out of control.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja.
The church leaders lamented that communities across the country are under siege, with innocent Nigerians being abducted from their homes, workplaces and highways while farmers are chased away from their farmlands by armed criminals.
Describing the situation as a national emergency, CAN condemned what it called the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being unleashed on innocent citizens.
The association reminded the Federal Government that protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive and measurable action to stop the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
The summit expressed grave concern over the increasing attacks on churches, schools and vulnerable communities, warning that the continued assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s unity, stability and development.
CAN also called for an immediate overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, including stronger intelligence gathering, improved collaboration among security agencies and enhanced operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
The Christian body further urged the National Assembly and relevant authorities to fast-track constitutional amendments for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures capable of tackling insecurity at the grassroots level.
The church leaders demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians still being held captive by criminal gangs across the country.
CAN also called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks, insisting that affected families and communities deserve justice and support.
As part of efforts to honour victims of insecurity, the association declared June 12 to June 14, 2026, as a three-day period of national mourning and designated June 14 as “Black Sunday” across churches nationwide.
The summit also took a swipe at politicians, expressing concern that defections and early political campaigns were dominating national discourse while many communities remained under attack.
CAN urged political leaders to put aside partisan interests and focus on securing the country and rebuilding public confidence.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and national unity, while calling on all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, to unite against the growing security crisis facing the nation.
