CAN Declares Three-Day Mourning, Demands Security Emergency

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period over the worsening security situation in the country and called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.

The announcement was made in Abuja by CAN President, Daniel Okoh, following the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit held at the National Christian Centre.

The summit, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together senior church leaders and delegates from across the country to deliberate on Nigeria’s growing security and socio-economic challenges.

Reading a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Okoh expressed deep concern over what he described as the alarming escalation of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities across several states.

He cited recent incidents in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi States as evidence that insecurity was spreading rapidly and threatening national stability. 

“Communities are under attack. Citizens are kidnapped from their homes and workplaces. Travellers are abducted on highways, while farmers are being forced off their lands,” he said. 

“Innocent men, women and children are being killed, displaced and subjected to unimaginable brutality.”

CAN criticised what it described as a pattern of conciliatory rhetoric from government officials in response to grave security threats, arguing that the country requires stronger and more decisive action. 

The association urged the Federal Government to urgently review the nation’s security architecture, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies and ensure greater accountability in security operations.

A major highlight of the communiqué was CAN’s endorsement of state police.

The Christian body called for the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes required to establish decentralised policing structures, arguing that localised security responses would enhance effectiveness and improve community protection. 

The organisation also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by criminal groups. 

Beyond security concerns, CAN called for a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation programme for victims of terrorism and violent attacks, including families who have lost loved ones and livelihoods.

Churches across the federation were encouraged to expand humanitarian assistance, trauma counselling and peace-building initiatives for displaced persons and vulnerable communities.

The association also expressed concern over what it described as growing political distractions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to CAN, premature electioneering, defections and political calculations have increasingly dominated public discourse while many parts of the country remain under siege. 

The body urged political leaders to prioritise security and national unity above partisan interests. 

Addressing journalists after the summit, Okoh clarified that CAN’s call for a state of emergency on security should not be interpreted as an attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

Rather, he said, it was a sincere appeal for government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

CAN also expressed support for international security cooperation, including ongoing counterterrorism partnerships between Nigeria and the United States.

The association said it would continue engaging government through advocacy, diplomacy and public accountability efforts while intensifying prayers for peace and national stability.