Nigeria is bleeding, CAN declares at nationwide ‘Black Sunday’

By Anan Geolengs

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said Nigeria is bleeding.

CAN made the declaration on Sunday during nationwide “Black Sunday”.

It described it as a collective Christian response to the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

The association said the solemn exercise was necessitated by the rising wave of killings, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and displacement affecting communities across Nigeria, warning that the situation has left the nation bleeding.

In a nationwide message, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the church was compelled to speak with one voice, stressing that continued silence in the face of violence was no longer acceptable.

“We are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice. Nigeria is bleeding, and the church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear,” he said.

Okoh explained that the Black Sunday observance was aimed at honouring victims of insecurity — children, women, men, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities affected by violent attacks across the country.

He said the moment called for national reflection and urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of security.

The CAN president noted that the observance came shortly after Democracy Day on June 12, stressing that democracy must be backed by the protection of life, justice, and the rule of law.

“There can be no true democracy where citizens live in fear. The sanctity of life must remain at the centre of our national values if democracy is to survive and thrive,” he said.

Quoting Matthew 5:4, Okoh reminded Christians that “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” urging solidarity with bereaved families, displaced persons, and victims of trauma nationwide.

He also urged governments at all levels to urgently strengthen security measures, describing the protection of lives and property as a non-negotiable responsibility of leadership.

Okoh commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing bill on June 11, 2026, describing it as a step toward decentralised security. He, however, expressed concern over delays in the Senate’s consideration of the bill.

He further advised churches, schools, hospitals, and faith-based institutions to heighten security awareness and improve emergency preparedness in response to current realities.

The CAN president called on Nigerians to use the Black Sunday observance to deepen unity, compassion, and national healing, while praying for peace and stability across the country.