CAN Declares 3-Day National Mourning Over Insecurity
CAN Declares 3-Day National Mourning Over Insecurity
In addition, June 14 will be marked as Black Sunday in all churches. This is a show of solidarity with families hurt by the ongoing security crisis.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the president of the association, announced this in Abuja on Tuesday. He read a communique issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit.
The summit took place at the National Christian Centre. Its theme was the state of the nation and the way forward. Top church leaders, block leaders, and delegates gathered to pray and to reflect on national challenges.
Okoh voiced deep concern over the rise in violence. Drawing attention to the recent loss of lives, cases of kidnapping, and widespread destruction affecting many communities, he cited incidents in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, and Kogi states. Against this backdrop, he argued that the federal government should declare a nationwide security emergency to halt the persistent loss of life.
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Communities are under attack. Criminal and terrorist groups take people from their homes and workplaces.
Okoh faulted what he called a pattern of mild, Abductions of travelers on highways are common. Farmers are often driven from their land, while innocent men, women, and children are killed, injured, displaced, and, in some cases, beheaded and cautious statements from senior officials. In his view, words are not enough. He called for firm, results-focused action.
After reminding the government that its primary responsibility is to protect lives and property, he called for a comprehensive review of the security system and advocated better intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and clear operational accountability.
He also backed the decentralization of security operations. He urged a fast track of the constitutional and legislative work needed to create state police.
In addition, he added that other citizens held by criminal groups should be freed at once.
On relief efforts, Okoh asked for a broad plan for compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement. The plan should support victims of terrorism and families that have lost loved ones or their source of income.
He urged churches across the federation to boost internal support. This includes humanitarian aid, trauma care, and peacebuilding for displaced persons in their local areas.
Okoh reaffirmed the commitment of the church to unity, peace, and justice. He added that prayers will increase. Yet he said they must go with steady civic action and advocacy.
Content Credit: Idowu Adigun
Image Credit: Google.com
