Black Sunday: CAN Urges Nigerians Not to Succumb to Fear Amid Insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians not to give in to fear amid the country’s ongoing security challenges, calling for resilience to counter all forces of evil.

CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh delivered a statement on Sunday in Abuja to mark ‘Black Sunday’, a day the association has set aside to honour victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He urged Nigerians to pray for the nation and for affected families, and to help victims rebuild their lives.

While the nation faces difficult challenges, Okoh said that unity, compassion and continual prayer are essential for national healing and for strengthening the country against emerging threats.

He advised, “Let us continue to pray fervently for our nation, support affected families and communities, and refuse to surrender to fear.”

He added, “May God comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect our nation, and grant our President, Bola Tinubu, and all those in governance the wisdom, courage and determination to confront and overcome this menace.”

The solemn observance, which coincided with the recent Democracy Day celebration on June 12, was held to protest the continued loss of innocent lives across the country, emphasizing that the security of lives and property is central to the success and sustainability of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Okoh called on all levels of government to take urgent, decisive and sustained measures to secure the country, while commending the House of Representatives for its recent passage of a bill on community and state policing.

The CAN president urged churches, Christian schools, hospitals and mission institutions to remain security‑conscious and to collaborate with local security networks to safeguard their environments.