Here’s an expanded version of the report with approximately 700 additional words:
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has designated Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a nationwide “Black Sunday” in honour of victims of terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes, and other forms of violence that have continued to plague different parts of the country.
The association also announced a three-day national prayer programme scheduled to hold from June 12 to June 14, calling on Christians across all denominations to unite in seeking divine intervention for peace, security, and national healing.
Speaking after the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, stressing that the nation has reached a critical point that requires urgent and decisive action from both government authorities and relevant stakeholders.
According to him, while prayer remains an essential spiritual response to the challenges facing the nation, it cannot replace the need for practical, strategic, and effective measures to combat insecurity. He noted that the increasing number of attacks on communities, places of worship, schools, and public institutions has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among citizens.
Archbishop Okoh stated that many families have lost loved ones to acts of terrorism and criminal violence, while thousands of others have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods. He said the growing insecurity has negatively affected economic activities, agricultural production, education, and social development across several regions of the country.
The CAN president called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, describing the situation as a national crisis that demands immediate intervention. He argued that extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary responses and urged authorities to deploy all available resources to address the menace threatening the country’s stability.
He further advocated the speedy establishment of state police and the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture. According to him, empowering state governments to play a more direct role in maintaining security would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and enable faster responses to emerging threats.
Okoh explained that the current centralised security system has often struggled to effectively address local security challenges due to logistical limitations and delayed responses. He maintained that state police would complement federal security agencies and provide a more coordinated approach to tackling crime and violence.
The cleric also demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims currently being held by criminal groups across the country. He urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and ensure that victims are reunited with their families safely.
In addition, he called for justice for all those affected by insecurity, emphasizing that perpetrators of violent crimes must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. He stressed that impunity has contributed significantly to the persistence of violence and that accountability remains crucial to restoring public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
As part of the planned “Black Sunday” observance, CAN encouraged Christians to wear black attire to church services on June 14 as a symbol of mourning and solidarity with victims of violence. The association said the gesture would also serve as a reminder of the urgent need to end bloodshed and promote peace throughout the country.
Churches are expected to dedicate special prayer sessions during the three-day programme to seek God’s intervention in Nigeria’s security challenges. The prayers will focus on the protection of lives and property, wisdom for leaders, comfort for grieving families, and the restoration of peace in troubled communities.
CAN also appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and community leaders to work together in addressing the root causes of insecurity. The association noted that factors such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, social injustice, and weak governance have contributed to the rise of violent crimes and extremism in various parts of the country.
The organisation urged Nigerians to remain united despite the challenges confronting the nation, warning against actions or statements capable of deepening ethnic, religious, or regional divisions. It emphasized that national unity and cooperation are essential for overcoming the country’s security problems.
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Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and national development. He assured Nigerians that the Christian community would continue to support efforts aimed at building a safer and more prosperous nation.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over recurring attacks by terrorists, bandits, and other armed groups in several states, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of people. Many Nigerians have continued to call for stronger security measures and comprehensive reforms to address the persistent threat posed by criminal elements.
With the declaration of “Black Sunday” and the nationwide prayer programme, CAN hopes to draw national attention to the plight of victims while encouraging both spiritual reflection and concrete action towards ending insecurity in Nigeria.