●Church leaders’ summit in Abuja calls for state police, compensation for victims, and suspension of 2027 politicking until Nigeria is safe
The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026 a period of national mourning, with Sunday June 14 marked as “Black Sunday” across all churches, in honour of Nigerians killed by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
The directive followed the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held Tuesday in Abuja under the theme “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.” Leaders from CAN, Catholic Secretariat, CPFN, CCN, TEKAN/ECWA, OAIC and other blocs said the nation is under siege.
—“Declare state of emergency now”—
In a 16-point communique signed by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the church body expressed “profound alarm” over mass abductions, beheadings, attacks on farms, schools and highways, and displacement of entire communities.
CAN called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to immediately declare a State of Emergency on Security, review the national security architecture, and accelerate the establishment of state police and other decentralized security structures.
“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost constitutional responsibility of government,” the communique stated. “We demand urgent, decisive and measurable action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.”
—Victims must be compensated—
Church leaders demanded immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and citizens. They also called for a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims and communities whose homes, schools and churches were destroyed.
CAN said thousands of Nigerians remain displaced from ancestral lands, living in fear while victims get “little support, justice or compensation.”
—Politics can wait—
The summit criticized the rush toward 2027 electioneering while communities remain under attack. CAN urged political leaders and parties to suspend “divisive political distractions” and focus on restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.
“Political calculations, defections and premature electioneering continue while many communities remain under siege,” CAN said. It called on NLC, NBA, NUT, student bodies, CSOs and traditional rulers to join in holding government accountable.
—Prayer and action—
While designating “Black Sunday” for prayers and solidarity with victims’ families, CAN said “prayer must be matched with action.” The association resolved to intensify advocacy and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, National Assembly and security agencies.
“Church leaders reaffirm their resolve to remain united, vigilant and steadfast in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria,” Archbishop Okoh concluded.
