Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security as killings, kidnappings and terrorist attacks continue to threaten lives across the country.
The call was part of resolutions adopted at the National Church Denominational Leaders’ Summit held on Tuesday at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” church leaders expressed concern over worsening insecurity, economic hardship and dwindling public trust in government institutions.
The summit noted that thousands of Nigerians have been forced out of their communities, while many families now live in constant fear because of persistent violence and criminal activities.
The Christians body highlighted recent attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Benue and Kogi states, with particular concern over the abduction of schoolchildren, teachers and attacks on farming communities.
“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 also condemned what it described as “barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement” and called for urgent government action to restore public confidence and protect lives and property.
CAN further demanded a review of the nation’s security architecture, stronger intelligence gathering, improved collaboration among security agencies and the speedy establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures.
As part of its resolutions, the Christian body declared June 12 to June 14, 2026, as a period of national mourning and designated June 14 as Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity and their families.
The association also called on labour unions, civil society groups, professional bodies and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
