The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period and designated a nationwide Black Sunday observance in response to the worsening security situation across the country.
The decision was reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held in Abuja, where Christian leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and the displacement of communities in various parts of Nigeria.
Announcing the resolutions of the summit, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said church leaders were alarmed by the deteriorating security situation and called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives and property.
As part of the measures adopted, churches across the country will observe a three-day mourning period, culminating in Black Sunday, to honour victims of violence and demonstrate solidarity with affected families and communities.
The Christian body urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, warning that the persistent attacks on citizens and communities pose a serious threat to national stability, unity and development.
According to the communique, Christian leaders are increasingly worried about the growing number of abductions, killings and violent attacks recorded in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi.
The summit stressed the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle insecurity, calling on security agencies to intensify operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by criminal groups.
CAN also renewed its demand for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures, arguing that localised policing would improve intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response capabilities and strengthen accountability in addressing security threats.
On the issue of self-defence, the Christian leaders maintained that citizens should be allowed to protect themselves within the limits of the law, especially amid concerns over the inability of existing security arrangements to adequately safeguard lives and property.
The association further called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved collaboration among security agencies and stronger operational strategies to combat terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
The summit criticised what it described as the inadequate response of government authorities to recurring security challenges, expressing concern that political activities and early electioneering appear to be receiving more attention while many communities continue to face attacks.
CAN also urged labour unions, professional bodies, civil society organisations and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to protecting citizens across the country.
The church leaders pledged to remain united in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement while working towards peace, justice, security and national renewal in Nigeria.