CAN Declares June 14 Black Sunday Over Rising Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” across churches nationwide in honour of victims of terrorism, kidnappings, banditry, and other violent attacks across the country.

The announcement was made by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at the end of the 2026 National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held in Abuja. The association also declared a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14.

Expressing concern over the worsening security situation, CAN called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security and take decisive steps to end the wave of killings, abductions, and attacks across the country.

According to the communiqué issued after the summit, churches across Nigeria are expected to observe Black Sunday as a mark of solidarity with families affected by insecurity and to honour those who have lost their lives to violence.

Okoh lamented the continued attacks on communities, schools, churches, and farmlands, stressing that urgent measures are needed to restore public confidence and safeguard lives and property.

The Christian body also renewed its call for the establishment of state police, improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and the unconditional release of kidnapped victims nationwide.

CAN said the period of mourning and prayer is intended to draw national attention to the growing security crisis and encourage collective action toward restoring peace and stability in the country.