…Urges govt to declare state of emergency on security

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has decried the escalating problem of kidnapping and attacks on churches, schools and vulnerable communities in the country and called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on security across the country.

The association urged Nigerians to defend themselves within the reasonable legal limit .

CAN; President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh who made the call at the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit with the theme, ” The State of the Nation and the way Forward” Tuesday in Abuja, expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of criminal networks, and the apparent inability of existing security arrangements to provide adequate protection for citizens.

Okoh called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.

He said, “Communities are under attack, citizens are kidnapped from their homes and places of work, travellers are abducted on highways, farmers are driven from their lands, while innocent men, women and children are killed, maimed, displaced and, in some cases, brutally beheaded by criminal and terrorist elements.

” CAN condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens, and called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security across the country.

Okoh told the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive and measurable action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.

He expresses grave concern that political calculations, defections and premature electioneering activities continue while many communities remain under siege and therefore called on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.

The CAN President demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements across the country and calls on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom.

He called for the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of State Police and other lawful decentralised security structures capable of improving intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.

Okoh advocated for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks adding that families who have lost loved ones, persons who have suffered permanent injuries, and communities whose homes, schools, churches and livelihoods have been destroyed deserve justice, support and restoration.

He urged churches across the country to strengthen support systems for victims of violence, displaced persons and affected communities through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.

Okoh declared Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a three-day period of national mourning, and further designated Sunday, June 14, 2026, as BLACK SUNDAY across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.

He called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions and all people of goodwill to join Christian Association of Nigeria in holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.

He urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to confront the growing threats to national peace and stability.

Okoh appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security and the common good, recognising that the current security crisis constitutes a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.

He explained that the Summit was convened amid an unprecedented wave of violence sweeping across the country .

“The Summit took place against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining public confidence in state institutions, growing social fragmentation, and increasing threats to the lives, dignity and well-being of Nigerians. Participants deliberated extensively on the challenges confronting the nation and the Church and resolved to speak with one voice in defence of truth, justice, human dignity and the sanctity of life”.