Christian body announces nationwide prayer programme and urges urgent government action on insecurity, including state policing and emergency measures

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a nationwide “Black Sunday” dedicated to honouring victims of terrorism and other violent attacks across the country.

The church body also disclosed a three-day programme of prayers scheduled to run from June 12 to June 14, aimed at seeking divine intervention over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation and rising cases of violence.

The announcement was made by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, following the 2026 National Church Denominational Leadership Summit.

Okoh noted that while prayers remain important, they are not sufficient on their own to address the scale of insecurity in the country. He stressed the need for urgent and practical government intervention to restore safety and public confidence.

He called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, support the establishment of state police, and decentralise the current security structure to ensure faster and more effective responses to threats.

The CAN president also demanded the release of individuals who have been abducted and called for justice for victims of ongoing violence across different parts of the country.

The planned “Black Sunday” is expected to be observed across churches nationwide, with special services and prayers dedicated to victims and affected families.