The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that Nigeria is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear.

It called on government on all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained measures to secure lives and property across the country.

In a massage to mark the solemn Black Sunday declared by the association, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh observed that democracy is founded on the sanctity and dignity of human life, the rule of law, justice, and the protection of citizens.

He said, “We are mindful that our period of mourning coincided with the celebration of Democracy Day on June 12. Therefore, there can be no more fitting way to honour the sacrifices that birthed our democracy than by recommitting ourselves to building a nation where every Nigerian can live, work, worship, and travel in safety”.

Okoh noted that the quest for security is not separate from the democratic journey; as it is central to its success and sustainability.

He said, “Today, Sunday, June 14, 2026, we observe Black Sunday across Nigeria in honour of the countless victims of insecurity—men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities whose lives have been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and bloodshed.Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice”

“As Christians, we believe that every human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God. The Scriptures remind us in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”. Today, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved, the displaced, the wounded, and the traumatized. We pray for all God’s comfort, healing, protection, and justice for all affected by these tragic events”.

The CAN President emphasized that the protection of citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those in authority and must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Okoh commended the House of Representatives for the passage of the bill on Community and State Policing stressing that this legislative initiative represents an important step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture and enhancing the capacity of communities to contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property.

He appealed to the Senate to also complete it’s process on the bill

. Okoh called on churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions, and all faith-based organizations to take proactive measures to safeguard their congregants, students, teachers, health workers, facilities, and properties. Security awareness, preparedness for emergency situations, collaboration with local security networks, and vigilance at all times have become necessary responsibilities in the face of prevailing threats.

“While we trust in God’s protection, we must also exercise wisdom and prudence in protecting those under our care. Let this day deepen our compassion, strengthen our unity, and renew our commitment to peace, justice, and national healing. Let us continue to pray fervently for our nation, support affected families and communities, and refuse to surrender to fear.

The CAN President prayed God to comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect our nation, and grant President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those in governance, the wisdom, courage, and determination to confront and overcome the menace of insecurity.