JUST IN: CAN declares June 14 Black Sunday over terrorist attacks in Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” to mourn victims of terrorist attacks across the country.

The association also announced a three-day national prayer programme scheduled for June 12 to 14.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN president, announced the resolutions at the end of the association’s National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026, adding that while prayer remains important, it is not sufficient to address the country’s security challenges.

He said: “Prayers are not enough to tackle the security situation in the country. There is the need for concrete actions to tackle the menace.”

The CAN president urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, adding that such a measure would demonstrate urgency in confronting the worsening security situation across the country.

Okoh also called for the acceleration of state policing and the decentralisation of the nation’s security architecture.

According to him, decentralising security operations would enable quicker responses to threats and improve the protection of lives and property.

He also demanded the unconditional release of kidnapped victims across the country, stressing that those responsible for abductions and other violent crimes must be brought to justice.

The CAN summit brought together church leaders from different denominations to discuss national issues and the role of the church in promoting peace and development.