CAN Declares Security State of Emergency, June 12 National Mourning

ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared a state of emergency over the worsening security situation across Nigeria. The Telegraph Nigeria confirmed the declaration on Wednesday. CAN designated June 12, 2026 as the start of a three-day national mourning period that will run until June 14.

CAN also designated June 14 as a Black Sunday across all churches in Nigeria. The date will honour victims of violence and express solidarity with families affected by insecurity. CAN called on the NLC, NBA, NUT, student bodies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to collaborate in holding the government accountable.

CAN President Daniel Okoh said the church can no longer remain silent while Nigerians are killed, abducted, and terrorised on a daily basis. He said the Owo church attack convictions are a positive step but they do not address the structural insecurity that continues to claim lives.

A Church United in Grief

The declaration follows the mass abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers including a vice principal from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15. It also reflects broader anger at the persistent insecurity in the northeast, northwest, and the growing spread of violence into the southwest and other regions.

CAN said its call is non-partisan. It said the church does not support any political party but supports the lives and safety of all Nigerians. It called on both the government and security agencies to treat insecurity as the national emergency it truly is.

The three-day mourning period coincides with the week of Nigeria’s June 12 Democracy Day. The timing is significant. CAN is effectively saying that democracy is hollow if it cannot protect the lives of its citizens. The message is aimed equally at President Tinubu’s administration and the political class more broadly.