The Christian Association of Nigeria has observed Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Black Sunday across the country in honour of the countless victims of insecurity.
CAN noted that the lives of men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities have been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and bloodshed.
Addressing Nigerians on Sunday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said Nigerians are not only mourning but are speaking with one voice, declaring that “our nation is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear.”
“As we mark this solemn Black Sunday, we are mindful that our period of mourning coincided with the celebration of Democracy Day on June 12,” Okoh said.
“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 quest for security is not separate from the democratic journey; it is central to its success and sustainability.”
“As Christians, we believe that every human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God. The Scriptures remind us in Matthew 5:4: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ Today, we stand in solidarity with the bereaved, the displaced, the wounded, and the traumatized. We pray for God’s comfort, healing, protection, and justice for all affected by these tragic events.”
Okoh called on government at all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained measures to secure lives and property across the nation, stating that the protection of citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those in authority and must be treated with the utmost seriousness.
CAN commended the House of Representatives for the passage of the bill on Community and State Policing on Thursday, June 11, 2026, describing the legislative initiative as an important step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture and enhancing the capacity of communities to contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property.
The CAN president also called upon churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions, and all faith-based organizations to take proactive measures to safeguard their congregants, students, teachers, health workers, facilities, and properties.
“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,” Okoh said.
“May God comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect our nation, and grant our President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and all those in governance, the wisdom, courage, and determination to confront and overcome this menace.”
