CAN declares three-day mourning and supports state police

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14. This is to honour the victims of violent attacks, mass kidnappings, and banditry across Nigeria.

CAN has also marked June 14 as "Black Sunday" for all churches. This is to show solidarity with families affected by the ongoing security crisis.

The President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja. He read a statement after the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit.

The summit took place at the National Christian Centre. It was themed "The State of the Nation and the Way Forward." Top church leaders and delegates gathered to pray and discuss the country’s challenges.

Mr Okoh expressed serious concern about the rising violence. He mentioned recent killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities in states like Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, and Kogi.

He urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on national security. This is to stop the ongoing bloodshed.

"Communities are under attack; citizens are kidnapped from their homes and places of work, travelers are abducted on highways, and farmers are driven from their lands.

"Innocent men, women, and children are killed, maimed, displaced, and, in some cases, brutally beheaded by criminal and terrorist elements," Mr Okoh said.

The CAN President criticized the repeated use of soft words by government officials in response to serious security threats. He called for a more active and effective approach.

He reminded the government that its main job is to protect lives and property.

Therefore, he called for a thorough review of the nation’s security system. This includes better intelligence gathering, stronger teamwork between agencies, and more accountability.

He also supported the idea of state police. He called for quick action on constitutional and legislative processes to establish them.

The CAN President demanded the immediate release of all kidnapped school children, teachers, and other citizens held by criminals.

On the humanitarian side, Mr Okoh asked for a complete program for compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement of victims of terrorism. This is for families who have lost their livelihoods or loved ones.

He encouraged churches across Nigeria to improve support systems. This includes providing humanitarian aid, trauma care, and peace-building initiatives for displaced people in their areas.

Mr Okoh lamented that premature election campaigns and political games are distracting leaders while many communities face danger.

He urged political leaders and parties to focus on national security and not let divisive issues distract them.

He also called on labour groups, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders to work together to hold the government accountable.

Mr Okoh reaffirmed the church's commitment to national unity, peace, and justice.

He stressed that while prayers will continue, they must be matched with ongoing civic engagement and advocacy.

CAN calls for state of emergency on security

Mr Okoh urged the federal government to quickly declare a state of emergency on security. This is to protect the lives and property of citizens.

He clarified that this call is not a threat to Bola Tinubu's government. It is a reminder for the government to fulfil its duty of defending the nation and promoting the welfare of the people.

"We are talking to a government that still has a level of responsibility, and so they will listen. We hope that when they listen, they will do the needful.

"It has come to that point where the government will have to declare a state of emergency on security," Okoh said.

When asked by journalists if Nigerians should defend themselves, the CAN president noted that self-preservation is a natural instinct. Still, actions must stay within the law.

"It is a natural human instinct for one to defend himself.

"But, what we are saying in CAN is that people and churches should be able to defend themselves, their properties, and their homes within reasonable legal limits," he said.

The cleric mentioned that the association will keep using media and diplomatic channels to hold the current government accountable.

He said the summit was just the first step in a series of strategic engagements to ensure a safer nation for all citizens.

Mr Okoh acknowledged that security challenges, which began in the far north and north-central, are now spreading southward.

He supported international cooperation to end insecurity, especially between the federal government and the United States.

"If you are overwhelmed and people are coming to help you, you will not say no. You will welcome them, provided they follow the proper lines of engagement.

"Our government is cooperating with the government of the United States of America and security forces to help dislodge these miscreants and terrorists.

"The position of CAN has not changed. If it takes other countries coming to help us out of this situation, so be it," Mr Okoh stressed.