Nationwide black sunday declared by CAN to honour victims of insecurity and demand urgent action against violence across Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has declared a Nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the escalating violence as a national tragedy that continues to devastate families and communities.

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In a message issued to Christians on Sunday, Okoh said the observance was dedicated to mourning men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violence across Nigeria.

The association said the Nationwide Black Sunday was intended not only as a period of mourning but also as a collective call for action in the face of worsening insecurity.

“Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Our nation is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear,” CAN stated.

The Christian body noted that the observance coincided with the country’s Democracy Day celebrations, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains fundamental to the success and sustainability of democratic governance.

According to CAN, democracy is built on respect for human dignity, justice, the rule of law and the protection of citizens, making security a critical pillar of national development.

“Democracy is founded on the sanctity and dignity of human life, the rule of law, justice, and the protection of citizens.

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,” the association said.

CAN expressed solidarity with bereaved families, internally displaced persons, survivors of attacks and others traumatised by insecurity, offering prayers for comfort, healing and justice.

Quoting the biblical passage Matthew 5:4, the association reminded Christians of the promise of divine consolation for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

The Nationwide Black Sunday declaration also served as a platform for CAN to demand stronger government action against insecurity.

The association urged federal, state and local authorities to implement urgent, decisive and sustained measures aimed at protecting citizens and restoring confidence in public safety.

“We call on the government on all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained measures to secure lives and property across our nation.

The protection of citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those in authority and must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” CAN said.

Beyond government intervention, the Christian body called on churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions and other faith-based organisations to strengthen security measures around their facilities.

CAN emphasised the importance of security awareness, emergency preparedness, collaboration with local security networks and heightened vigilance in response to prevailing threats.

The association also encouraged Nigerians not to succumb to fear but to remain united in promoting peace, justice and national healing.

“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 statement added.

Nigeria continues to face widespread security challenges, including terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnappings and communal conflicts, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of numerous communities across several states.

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Against this backdrop, CAN said the Nationwide Black Sunday was both a solemn tribute to victims and a powerful appeal for renewed efforts to address the country’s persistent security crisis.