CAN Demands Emergency Declaration Over Worsening Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and insecurity across the country, calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security. This decision was reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026, held in Abuja, where church leaders converged to discuss the state of the nation and the way forward. The summit, which took place on Tuesday, saw the declaration of a three-day national mourning period, starting from Friday, June 12, 2026, and ending on Sunday, June 14, 2026. According to the communiqué issued at the end of the summit, Sunday, June 14, 2026, has been designated as 'Black Sunday' across churches in Nigeria, in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity. The church leaders condemned the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction, and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens, and called on the Federal Government to take urgent, decisive, and measurable action to end the bloodshed and restore public confidence. They also advocated for a comprehensive review of the nation's security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and enhanced operational effectiveness in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crime. Furthermore, CAN called for the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes for the establishment of state police and other lawful decentralised security structures to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and local accountability. The association demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens being held by criminal groups, and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until all victims regain their freedom. CAN also called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks, as well as the safe return and protection of displaced persons in their ancestral communities. The church leaders criticised what they described as the continued focus on political calculations, defections, and premature electioneering activities while many communities remain under siege, urging political leaders and parties to prioritise security and national stability. They resolved to intensify advocacy, civic engagement, and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders. CAN called on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding the government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property. The church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice, and the defence of human dignity, while urging all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security, and the common good.