The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday” in memory of victims of terrorist attacks and escalating violence across the country.
The announcement came at the close of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the day will be observed nationwide as churches mourn thousands lost to killings, kidnappings, and attacks on communities.
“Prayers alone are not enough to address the security crisis,” Archbishop Okoh said. “We must combine faith with decisive government action.”
Alongside Black Sunday, CAN announced a three-day national prayer programme from June 12 to June 14 to seek divine intervention over what it called Nigeria’s “worsening security situation.”
Call for State of Emergency
Okoh urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, accelerate the establishment of state police, and decentralize the nation’s security architecture to improve response to threats.
He also called for the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims and demanded that justice be served for those affected by violent attacks nationwide.
A Pattern of Grief
The declaration follows months of unrest. Communities in Oyo, Benue, Borno, and Plateau have suffered repeated attacks, with recent reports of mass abductions of schoolchildren, teachers, and worshippers.
In Oyo State, armed men reportedly attacked multiple schools in May, abducting at least 25 pupils and seven teachers.
CAN chapters across states have consistently raised alarm. In Niger, the association said “lives have been cut short, communities have been displaced, and farmers cannot till their land because of insecurity.”
Beyond the Pulpit
While declaring Black Sunday, CAN maintained that the Church would continue to advocate for peace but insisted government must fulfill its “constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses.”
On June 14, Christians nationwide are expected to wear black, hold special intercessory services, and remember victims of violence.
The association said the observance is not just a ritual of mourning, but a call to action: “The continued loss of lives in such tragic circumstances is simply unacceptable.”
As Black Sunday approaches, bells will toll across sanctuaries not in celebration, but in remembrance of a nation counting its dead and pleading for peace.
