CAN Expresses Concern Over Escalating Violence Across Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria  (CAN)has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities.

The Christian body also condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens, and called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security across the country.

CAN President, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh while addressing newsmen at the end of the Association National Church Denominational leaders summit held in Abuja reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive and measurable action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.

Most Reverend Daniel Okoh while outlining some of the resolutions at the end of the One day summit calls 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.

He maintained that the Church Leaders clamoured for 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.

According to him, 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.

” The summit 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”

Most Reverend Daniel Okoh said the leaders resolved that churches across the country should strengthen support systems for victims of violence, displaced persons and affected communities through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peace building initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.

He therefore demanded the safe return, protection and resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.

“CAN affirms 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”

He noted that the Christian body has declared 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”

” 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”

Most Reverend Daniel Okoh emphasised the need for 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 CAN in holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.

The CAN President
expressed profound appreciation to all Church, bloc, and denominational leaders, delegates and participants from across the country for their commitment, unity, courage and patriotism in responding to the urgent challenges confronting the nation.

“Church leaders reaffirms their resolve to remain united, vigilant and steadfast in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria, while trusting God to guide the nation towards peace, security, justice and lasting prosperity”

Kayode Oyedare