The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared June 14, 2026, a “Black Sunday” in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, calling on governments at all levels to take urgent and sustained measures to protect lives and property.
In a message to Christians nationwide, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, said the day was set aside to remember the “countless victims of insecurity” including men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks.
He said the observance was not only a period of mourning but also a collective call for action against the worsening security situation in the country.
“Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Our nation is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear,” he stated.
The CAN president linked the observance to the recent Democracy Day celebration, noting that democracy is anchored on the sanctity of human life, justice, the rule of law and the protection of citizens.
According to him, the pursuit of security is central to the success and sustainability of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“As we mark this solemn Black Sunday, we are mindful that our period of mourning coincided with the celebration of Democracy Day on June 12. There can be no more fitting way to honour the sacrifices that birthed our democracy than by recommitting ourselves to building a nation where every Nigerian can live, work, worship and travel in safety,” he said.
Okoh urged Christians across the country to pray for victims and their families, while reaffirming the Church’s solidarity with the bereaved, displaced and traumatised.
Citing the biblical passage in Matthew 5:4, he said Christians must continue to seek God’s comfort, healing and justice for those affected by insecurity.
The CAN president also commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11, describing the legislation as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture.
“While we wait for the Senate to complete its process, the Christian Association of Nigeria commends the House of Representatives for the passage of the bill on Community and State Policing.
“This legislative initiative represents an important step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture and enhancing the capacity of communities to contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property,” he said.
He further called on churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions and other faith-based organisations to adopt proactive security measures to safeguard lives and property.
According to him, security awareness, emergency preparedness, collaboration with local security networks and constant vigilance have become necessary in the face of prevailing threats.
Okoh urged Nigerians not to surrender to fear but to remain united in the pursuit of peace, justice and national healing.
He prayed for God’s comfort for grieving families and called for wisdom and courage for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders in tackling the country’s security challenges.
“May God comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect our nation and grant our President and all those in governance the wisdom, courage and determination to confront and overcome this menace,” he said.
