Declares Three-Day’s Mourning Over Kidnapped Victims
- Safiu Kehinde
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged government officials to focus on solving the insecurity challenges facing the country and leave what it considered divisive political distractions.
CAN gave the charge while declaring a three-day national mourning for kidnap victims across the country.
This was contained in a communique issued by the association at the conclusion of its National Church Denominational Leaders Summit on Tuesday.
According to the communique signed by the CAN President, Archibishop Daniel Okon, church leaders at the summit themed, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward”, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country.
They recalled recent incidents of mass abductions, killings and attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states.
“Participants noted with particular concern the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, attacks on farming communities, continued terrorist activities in parts of the North-East, and the spread of kidnapping and violent crime into areas previously considered relatively safe.
“The Summit lamented the loss of countless lives, the destruction of livelihoods, the displacement of communities and the deep trauma inflicted on victims and their families.
“Participants warned that the continuing assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to national stability, unity and development.” The communique read.
While condemning the incidents, particularly the recent kidnapping of over 40 students and school teachers in Oyo state, the church leaders, in their resolution, demanded government’s focus on restoring security and protecting citizens.
It called on political leaders and parties to suspend their electioneering activities.
“CAN expresses grave concern that political calculations, defections and premature electioneering activities continue while many communities remain under siege.
“CAN therefore calls on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.” Okon wrote.
The association also expressed concern on the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms.
It slammed the political actors for the recurring resort to conciliatory and pacifist rhetoric in response to grave security threats.
CAN demanded a more decisive, proactive and results-oriented approach to national security.
The association further demanded release of all the kidnapped students and their teachers while calling on churches across the country to strengthen support for victims of violence as it announced the three-day mourning.
The demonstration is to start from Friday with Sunday which marked the third day declared as Black Sunday.
“CAN demands the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements across the country and calls on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom.
“CAN calls on 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 programmes and public awareness campaigns.
“CAN declares Friday, June 12, 2026, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, to continue through Sunday, June 14, 2026.
“CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as BLACK SUNDAY across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.” Te communique read further.
Meanwhile, the association also called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.
It further demanded the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of State Police and other lawful decentralised security structures capable of improving intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.
CAN urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to confront the growing threats to national peace and stability.
Also in its resolution is the demand for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme 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.
“CAN further demands the safe return, protection and resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.” The association said.
It affirmed that prayer must be matched with action and resolves to intensify advocacy, civic engagement and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders.
CAN also call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions and all people of goodwill to join the churches in holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.
The Summit was attended by leaders of Christian denominations and blocs across Nigeria, including representatives of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN/ECWA and other member bodies of CAN, alongside church administrators, legal practitioners, security experts and Christian leaders from across the six geopolitical zones.