General News
THE Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, citing escalating violence, kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the country.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja with the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.”
The communiqué, signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the summit was convened to review the state of the nation and chart a collective path toward peace, justice, security and national renewal.
According to CAN, the meeting was held against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining public confidence in state institutions and increasing threats to the lives and well-being of Nigerians.
The summit noted with concern that communities across the country were under attack, while citizens continued to face kidnappings, abductions, killings and displacement.
Participants also expressed concern over attacks on churches, schools and farming communities, as well as the growing sophistication of criminal networks and the inability of existing security arrangements to adequately protect citizens.
The communiqué stated that thousands of Nigerians remained displaced from their ancestral homes, while victims of violence often received little support, justice or compensation.
It recalled recent incidents of mass abductions, killings and attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states, warning that the continued assault on human life and dignity posed a serious threat to national stability and development.
CAN condemned what it described as barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement perpetrated against innocent citizens.
The association urged the Federal Government to take urgent, decisive and measurable actions to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.
Among its resolutions, CAN called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and improved operational effectiveness against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
The body also advocated the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures.
It further urged greater collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to address growing security challenges.
CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal groups across the country.
The association also called for intensified rescue efforts and the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks.
According to the communiqué, displaced persons should be safely returned and resettled in their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.
The summit resolved that churches across the country should strengthen support systems for victims of violence through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives and youth engagement programmes.
CAN also announced June 12 to June 14, 2026, as a three-day period of national mourning for victims of insecurity.
It designated June 14 as “Black Sunday” to be observed in churches nationwide in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with affected families.
The association expressed concern that political defections and premature electioneering activities were receiving attention while many communities remained under siege.
It called on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.
CAN further appealed to organised labour, professional bodies, student organisations, civil society groups and traditional institutions to join efforts aimed at holding government accountable for the protection of lives and property.
The summit reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity, while urging all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in confronting the nation’s security challenges.
It also criticised what it described as the inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms and urged government officials to adopt a more decisive, proactive and results-oriented approach to national security.
The summit concluded by expressing appreciation to church leaders and delegates from across the country for their commitment to addressing the challenges confronting the nation.
It reaffirmed the resolve of church leaders to remain united in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the peace, security and prosperity of Nigeria.
F.O
Tags: CAN