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The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has issued a heartfelt message to Christians and citizens nationwide as the association marks Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Black Sunday in remembrance of the numerous victims of insecurity across the country.

According to CAN, the persistent wave of violence, abductions, terrorism, bandit attacks, and killings has left devastating consequences on individuals and communities, affecting men, women, children, farmers, students, religious leaders, and countless families.

Speaking to Nigerians on Sunday, Archbishop Okoh stated that the occasion goes beyond a period of mourning, emphasizing that citizens are united in expressing their concerns over the country’s security situation.

He said Nigerians are not only grieving but are speaking with one voice, saying, “Our nation is bleeding, and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear.”

He went on, “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. 

“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.

“We call on government on all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained measures to secure lives and property across our nation. The protection of citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those in authority and must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

“While we wait for the Senate to complete it’s process, the Christian Association of Nigeria commends the House of Representatives for the passage of the bill on Community and State Policing on Thursday, June 11, 2026. This legislative initiative represents an important step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture and enhancing the capacity of communities to contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property.

“At this critical time, we call 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. Security awareness, preparedness for emergency situations, collaboration with local security networks, and vigilance at all times have become necessary responsibilities in the face of prevailing threats. While we trust in God’s protection, we must also exercise wisdom and prudence in protecting those under our care.

“Dear Brethren, 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.

“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 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all those in governance, the wisdom, courage, and determination to confront and overcome this menace.”

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