The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a nationwide “Black Sunday” in memory of victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other violent attacks that have continued to claim lives across the country.
The umbrella body for Christians in Nigeria also announced a three-day national prayer program from June 12 to June 14, aimed at seeking divine intervention in the country’s worsening security situation.
The decision was announced after the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026, where church leaders from across the country gathered to discuss issues affecting the nation, particularly the growing insecurity that has left many communities living in fear.
Speaking after the summit, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the security crisis had reached an alarming level and required urgent and practical solutions from government at all levels.
According to him, while prayers remain important, they alone cannot solve the security challenges facing the country. He stressed that decisive action must be taken to protect lives and restore confidence among citizens.
Okoh called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, saying the situation had become critical and demanded immediate attention.
He noted that attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups have continued in many parts of the country despite repeated efforts by security agencies to contain them.
The CAN president said many Nigerians now live in fear due to frequent attacks on communities, places of worship, schools and highways. He added that the growing number of displaced persons and kidnapping victims showed that more effective measures were needed.
As part of its recommendations, CAN called for the immediate establishment of state police and the decentralisation of the country’s security structure.
According to Okoh, allowing states to have their own police forces would improve intelligence gathering and ensure quicker responses to security threats at the local level.
The debate over state police has remained one of the most discussed security issues in Nigeria in recent years. Supporters argue that state-controlled police would be more familiar with local communities and better positioned to tackle crime. However, critics have expressed concerns about possible abuse by state governments.
Despite the concerns, many political leaders, security experts and civil society groups have continued to advocate reforms aimed at strengthening security operations across the country.
CAN also demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims currently being held by criminal groups.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the major security challenges in Nigeria, affecting both urban and rural communities. Thousands of people, including schoolchildren, religious leaders, traditional rulers, farmers and travellers, have been abducted in recent years.
Many families have been forced to pay huge sums to secure the release of their loved ones, while others have endured long periods of uncertainty as they wait for news about kidnapped relatives.
Okoh urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
He further called for justice for victims of insecurity and their families, stressing that those responsible for attacks must not be allowed to escape punishment.
The CAN president said justice was necessary not only to provide closure for victims but also to discourage future crimes.
The declaration of “Black Sunday” is expected to be observed in churches across the country through special services, prayers and activities dedicated to remembering victims of violence.
Churches are also expected to use the occasion to pray for peace, national unity and the safety of citizens.
Nigeria has faced various security challenges over the past decade, including insurgency in the North-East, bandit attacks in parts of the North-West and North-Central, communal clashes, farmer-herder conflicts and increasing incidents of kidnapping across several regions.
These challenges have led to thousands of deaths, destruction of property and displacement of many communities.
Religious organizations, civil society groups and community leaders have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen security measures and address the underlying causes of violence.
CAN’s latest intervention reflects growing concern among religious leaders about the impact of insecurity on ordinary Nigerians and the nation’s future.
The association said the planned prayer program and “Black Sunday” observance should serve as a reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for collective action to end violence in the country.
While encouraging Christians to participate fully in the prayer program, CAN maintained that meaningful progress would require both spiritual commitment and practical government action.
The association expressed hope that the Federal Government would listen to the concerns being raised by citizens and stakeholders and take stronger steps to restore peace and security across the country.