The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) renews calls for government action as insecurity continues across the country. Multiple outlets report that CAN, led by its President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, announces a nationwide period of mourning to honor victims of violent attacks and related violence, including banditry. Reports say CAN declares a three-day national mourning and also refers to a nationwide “Black Sunday” as part of the same wider effort to mark those affected.
CAN’s statements link the ongoing insecurity to community attacks, kidnappings of citizens from homes and workplaces, abductions of travelers on highways, and displacement of farmers from their lands. Several reports say CAN urges the Federal Government to strengthen the national security architecture and, in some accounts, calls for the government to declare a state of emergency.
Premium Times adds that CAN supports the creation of state police as a way to improve local security. Across the coverage, CAN’s announcements are presented as coming after a national church denominational leaders summit held in Abuja, and the group issues these demands alongside the mourning declaration.
