CAN Charges FG to Protect Lives, Demands State of Emergency on Security.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility, urging authorities to take urgent, decisive and measurable actions to halt the growing wave of violence across the country and restore public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

The call formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme, “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.” The summit brought together Christian leaders from across Nigeria to assess the country’s security, social and economic challenges and chart a collective path towards peace, justice and national renewal.

The communiqué, signed by CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to unity, justice, peace and the defence of human dignity, while calling on all Nigerians to unite in confronting what it described as a collective national emergency.

In the communique, CAN expressed profound alarm over the escalating incidents of killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities in different parts of the country. The association condemned what it described as barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens.

The church body consequently called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security, saying the worsening insecurity has reached a level that requires extraordinary measures to safeguard lives and restore stability.

According to the communiqué, participants at the summit noted with deep concern the increasing attacks on churches, schools and vulnerable communities, as well as the growing sophistication of criminal networks and the apparent inability of existing security arrangements to adequately protect citizens.

The summit observed that thousands of Nigerians remain displaced from their ancestral homes, while many families continue to live in fear due to persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers. It also lamented the limited and in some cases lack of support, justice and compensation to victims of violence.

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

The association also renewed its support for the establishment of State Police and other lawful decentralised security structures, urging the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes that would improve local intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities and accountability.

The summit demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently being held by criminal groups across the country. It urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations until every victim regains freedom.

In addition, CAN called on churches nationwide to strengthen support systems for victims of violence and displaced persons through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns. It also demanded a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims and affected communities.

The association announced a three-day period of national mourning beginning on Friday, June 12, 2026, and ending on Sunday, June 14, 2026. CAN also declared June 14 as “Black Sunday” across Churches in Nigeria to honour victims of violence and demonstrate solidarity with families affected by insecurity.

While expressing concern over increasing political defections and early electioneering activities amid the security crisis, CAN urged political leaders to focus on restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.