The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” in honour of victims of terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent crimes across the country.
The decision was announced at the conclusion of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026 held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
CAN President, Daniel Okoh, said the association would also observe three days of national prayers from June 12 to June 14 in memory of victims of insecurity nationwide.
Speaking during the summit themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” Okoh stated that prayers alone would not solve Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, stressing the need for urgent and concrete government action.
He called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and carry out a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture.
According to him, communities across states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Benue and Kogi have continued to experience killings, kidnappings, attacks on schools and destruction of property.
“Communities are under attack; citizens are kidnapped from their homes and places of work, travelers are abducted on highways, and farmers are driven from their lands,” Okoh said.
The Christian body also demanded stronger intelligence gathering, improved collaboration among security agencies, and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism and violent crime.
CAN further renewed its call for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to strengthen rapid response and local intelligence gathering.
The association also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other victims currently in captivity, while urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations across the country.
As part of resolutions reached at the summit, churches nationwide were directed to observe Black Sunday on June 14 in solidarity with victims and affected families.
CAN additionally urged labour unions, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and professional bodies to work together in holding government accountable on issues relating to security and the protection of lives and property.
The statement comes amid growing public concern over recent mass abductions, including attacks on schools in Oyo State and Borno State, which have sparked nationwide outrage and protests.
