The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly condemned the escalating problem of kidnapping and attacks on churches, schools, and vulnerable communities across the country. The association called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security nationwide.
CAN President's Call to Action
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, made the call during the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit in Abuja, themed 'The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.' He expressed deep concern over the increasing sophistication of criminal networks and the apparent inability of existing security arrangements to protect citizens adequately.
Okoh urged Nigerians to defend themselves within reasonable legal limits and called for a comprehensive review of the nation's security architecture. He emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness, and greater accountability in fighting terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
Condemnation of Violence
CAN condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction, and forced displacement perpetrated against innocent citizens. The association demanded that the Federal Government declare a State of Emergency on Security across the country.
Okoh stressed that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of the government and demanded urgent, decisive, and measurable action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
Political Distractions
He expressed grave concern that political calculations, defections, and premature electioneering activities continue while many communities remain under siege. He called on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens, and rebuilding public confidence.
Demands for Action
CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements. The association called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom.
Okoh called for the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of State Police and other lawful decentralized security structures. These measures aim to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response, and local accountability.
Compensation and Rehabilitation
He advocated for a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement program for victims of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent attacks. Families who have lost loved ones, persons who have suffered permanent injuries, and communities whose homes, schools, churches, and livelihoods have been destroyed deserve justice, support, and restoration.
Church and National Response
Okoh urged churches across the country to strengthen support systems for victims of violence, displaced persons, and affected communities through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programs, and public awareness campaigns.
He declared Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a three-day period of national mourning. Sunday, June 14, 2026, was designated as BLACK SUNDAY across churches in Nigeria to honor victims of violence and show solidarity with families affected by insecurity.
Call for Unity
Okoh called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society organizations, professional associations, traditional institutions, and all people of goodwill to join CAN in holding the government accountable and ensuring sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
He urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organizations, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and local communities to confront the growing threats to national peace and stability.
Okoh appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to unite in defense of human life, national security, and the common good. He recognized that the current security crisis constitutes a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.
Summit Context
He explained that the Summit was convened amid an unprecedented wave of violence sweeping across the country. The Summit took place against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining public confidence in state institutions, growing social fragmentation, and increasing threats to the lives, dignity, and well-being of Nigerians. Participants deliberated extensively on the challenges confronting the nation and the Church and resolved to speak with one voice in defense of truth, justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of life.
