CAN Declares June 14 as ‘Black Sunday’ to Remember Victims of Terror, Banditry

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” to mourn the countless victims of terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings that continue to devastate Christian communities across the country.

The declaration was made at the end of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026 today in Abuja, as insecurity worsens and claims lives, displaces families, and disrupts worship in many parts of Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s Christian community, CAN Chairman, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the situation has reached a crisis point that demands more than prayers.

We need concrete and decisive actions to tackle this menace that is destroying lives and communities.

“Prayers are not enough,” Archbishop Okoh stated. “We need concrete and decisive actions to tackle this menace that is destroying lives and communities, particularly targeting Christians and church gatherings in several regions.”

The association announced a three-day national prayer programme from June 12 to 14, 2026, culminating in Black Sunday services where churches nationwide will remember victims and seek divine intervention. However, CAN stressed that spiritual efforts must be matched by urgent government action.

Archbishop Okoh called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity. He also renewed demands for the acceleration of state police and the decentralisation of the security architecture to enable faster and more effective responses to threats at the local level.

The CAN chairman further demanded the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims still in captivity and the delivery of justice to perpetrators.

Insecurity has had a devastating impact on Christians in Nigeria, especially in the North and Middle Belt regions. Churches have been attacked during services, pastors and worshippers kidnapped for ransom, and entire Christian villages razed by bandits and terrorists.

Prayers are not enough.

Thousands have been killed, many more displaced, and the fear of violence has forced some communities to abandon regular fellowship or flee their homes.

Recent incidents, including deadly attacks in parts of Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Oyo, and other states, have heightened concerns that Christians are being disproportionately affected by the nation’s security challenges. Farmers, students in Christian-dominated schools, and rural dwellers have been particularly vulnerable.

CAN’s latest move reflects growing frustration among Nigeria’s estimated 100 million Christians over what many see as the government’s slow response to the crisis. Church leaders say the continued loss of lives is not only a security failure but also a direct threat to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

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