CAN Leads Black Sunday Protest, Says Rising Insecurity Is Tearing Nigeria Apart

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday led a nationwide Black Sunday observance, warning that rising insecurity is tearing Nigeria apart and leaving communities devastated by killings, kidnappings, banditry and other violent attacks.

The association said the nationwide exercise was organised as a collective response by Christians to the worsening security situation across the country, which it noted has resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of communities and growing fear among citizens.

In a message to mark the observance, CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the Church could no longer remain silent in the face of persistent violence and insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.

“We are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Nigeria is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear,” he said.

Okoh explained that the Black Sunday observance was dedicated to honouring victims of insecurity, including women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities affected by violent attacks across the country.

According to him, the increasing wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminal violence has reached a level that demands urgent national attention and decisive action from leaders.

He stressed that the observance came shortly after the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, noting that democracy can only thrive where citizens feel safe and protected.

“There can be no true democracy where citizens live in fear. The sanctity of life must remain at the centre of our national values if democracy is to survive and thrive,” he stated.

The CAN president urged Christians nationwide to stand in solidarity with bereaved families, displaced persons and survivors of attacks, while offering prayers for peace and healing across the country.

Quoting Matthew 5:4, he reminded worshippers that, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Okoh also called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the most fundamental responsibility of leadership.

He commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11, 2026, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening grassroots security and improving community-based policing.

However, he expressed concern over the delay in the Senate’s consideration of the bill and urged lawmakers to accelerate action on the legislation.

The CAN president further advised churches, schools, hospitals and other faith-based institutions to strengthen security awareness and emergency preparedness in view of prevailing security challenges.

He called on Nigerians to use the Black Sunday observance to promote unity, compassion and national healing, while praying for divine intervention in the country’s security situation.

Okoh also prayed for comfort for grieving families, recovery for victims of violence, protection for vulnerable communities and wisdom for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders as they work to restore peace and stability across the nation.