Black Sunday: Security Is Key to Our Democratic Survival – Canada

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued a warning yesterday that Nigeria’s democracy cannot prosper amid escalating insecurity, asserting that security is essential for the country’s democratic survival.

In observance of Black Sunday, a day dedicated to honoring victims of violence across the nation, CAN mourned those who have been killed, displaced, or traumatized by insecurity, and called for urgent action from the government.

The organization also urged churches and faith‑based institutions to reinforce security measures and support efforts to establish community and state policing.

The stance was articulated in a Black Sunday message delivered by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh to Christians throughout Nigeria.

“Our nation is bleeding, and the church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear,” Archbishop Okoh said.

He explained that Black Sunday is being observed in honor of the countless victims of insecurity, including men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities whose lives have been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and bloodshed.

Archbishop Okoh noted that Christians believe every human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God, and he called on the faithful to stand in solidarity with bereaved families, displaced persons, the wounded, and those traumatized by violence.

Quoting Matthew 5:4, he said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” He added that the church is praying for God’s comfort, healing, protection, and justice for all affected by the country’s security crisis.

The association also urged government at all levels to take urgent, decisive, and sustained steps to protect lives and property, emphasizing that public safety remains one of the most important responsibilities of leadership.

“The protection of citizens is a sacred responsibility entrusted to those in authority and must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Archbishop Okoh stated.

The CAN president said the Black Sunday observance came at a time when Nigerians had just marked Democracy Day, arguing that no democracy would endure if citizens were unable to live, work, worship, and travel safely.

“There can be no more fitting way to honor the sacrifices that birthed our democracy than by recommitting ourselves to building a nation where every Nigerian can live, work, worship, and travel in safety. The quest for security is not separate from our democratic journey; it is central to its success and sustainability,” the CAN leader said.

He also supported ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen security at the community level.

While awaiting Senate consideration of the proposal, Archbishop Okoh praised the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11, describing it as an important step toward strengthening grassroots security and enabling communities to play a greater role in protecting lives and property.

The association further called on churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions, and other faith‑based organizations to take practical steps to improve security in their facilities and communities. Archbishop Okoh said: “Security awareness, emergency preparedness, collaboration with local security networks, and constant vigilance have become necessary responsibilities in the face of prevailing threats. While we trust in God’s protection, we must also exercise wisdom and prudence in protecting those under our care.”

He urged Christians not to surrender to fear but to remain united, support affected families and communities, and continue praying for peace, justice, and national healing.

Archbishop Okoh also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other public office holders, asking God to grant them the wisdom, courage, and determination needed to tackle the country’s security challenges.

“May God comfort the bereaved, heal the wounded, protect our nation, and grant our President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all those entrusted with governance the wisdom, courage, and determination to confront and overcome this menace,” he said.

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