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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security across the country following the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and violent crimes threatening national stability.
President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
The summit, attended by leaders of major Christian denominations, legal practitioners, security experts and representatives from across the six geopolitical zones, expressed deep concern over what it described as the worsening security crisis confronting the nation.
“CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities,” the communiqué stated.
The association condemned what it described as barbaric acts of murder, torture, rape, abduction, forced displacement and other forms of violence being perpetrated against innocent Nigerians, insisting that urgent and decisive action was needed to halt the bloodshed.
CAN reminded the Federal Government that protecting lives and property remains its primary constitutional responsibility and demanded measurable steps to restore public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
The church leaders also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, including enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies and improved operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
In a major recommendation, the association urged the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures to improve intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.
The summit noted with concern the growing attacks on churches, schools and farming communities as well as the spread of kidnapping and violent crimes into areas previously considered safe.
Participants cited recent incidents of mass abductions, killings and attacks in several states, including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi, lamenting the displacement of thousands of citizens from their ancestral homes.
The Christian body demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians currently in captivity, urging security agencies to intensify rescue operations until every victim regains freedom.
CAN also called for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks.
According to the communiqué, families who have lost loved ones, individuals who have sustained permanent injuries and communities whose homes, churches, schools and livelihoods have been destroyed deserve justice, support and restoration.
The association further demanded the safe return and resettlement of displaced persons under adequate security guarantees.
As part of efforts to honour victims of insecurity, CAN declared June 12 to June 14, 2026, as three days of national mourning and designated Sunday, June 14, as “Black Sunday” across churches nationwide.
The association urged Christians to wear black in solidarity with victims of violence and their families.
CAN also expressed concern that political defections, partisan calculations and early electioneering activities were dominating national discourse while communities remained under siege.
The church leaders called on political parties and elected officials to suspend divisive political distractions and focus on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.
The association appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Teachers, student bodies, civil society groups, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to join efforts aimed at holding the government accountable for securing lives and property.
While reaffirming its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, CAN urged Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation to unite against the nation’s growing security challenges.
The communiqué also criticised what it described as the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms, warning against what it called a recurring reliance on conciliatory rhetoric in the face of grave security threats.
Church leaders pledged to remain united in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, justice, security and national renewal.
The communiqué was issued on June 2, 2026, at the conclusion of the summit in Abuja.
