The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has declared that “Nigeria is bleeding” and called on government at all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained action to secure lives and property nationwide.

In a message to mark what it described as a solemn “Black Sunday” on June 14, 2026, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear.

Okoh noted that the period of mourning coincided with Democracy Day on June 12.

“We are mindful that our period of mourning coincided with the celebration of Democracy Day on June 12. 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,” he said.

He added that security is central to the success and sustainability of democracy.

“Democracy is founded on the sanctity and dignity of human life, the rule of law, justice, and the protection of citizens. The quest for security is not separate from the democratic journey; it is central to its success and sustainability.

“Today, Sunday, June 14, 2026, we observe Black Sunday across Nigeria in honour of the countless victims of insecurity – men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities whose lives have been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and bloodshed. Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice,” Okoh said.

Citing Matthew 5:4, the CAN President said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“As Christians, we believe that every human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God. 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,” he stressed.

Okoh said the protection of citizens is a sacred constitutional duty that must be treated with utmost seriousness.

He commended the House of Representatives for passing the bill on Community and State Policing, describing it as “an important step toward strengthening grassroots security architecture.”

The CAN President appealed to the Senate to complete its process on the bill.

He also enjoined churches, schools, hospitals, mission institutions, and all faith-based organizations to take proactive measures to safeguard congregants, students, 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 threat.

“While we trust in God’s protection, we must also exercise wisdom and prudence in protecting those under our care. Let this day deepen our compassion, strengthen our unity, and renew our commitment to peace, justice, and national healing,” he admonished.

Concluding, Okoh prayed God to comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect the nation, and grant President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all those in governance the wisdom to confront the insurgency in the land