Nigeria's democracy can't survive if citizens keep dying from insecurity. That was the blunt warning from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday as it marked Black Sunday, a day set aside to honour victims of violence across the country.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the nation is bleeding. "Our nation is bleeding, and the church can't remain silent while innocent lives are lost and families live in fear," he said in a message to Christians nationwide.
Black Sunday honours countless victims — men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students, and entire communities whose lives have been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and bloodshed. CAN said the observance comes just after Nigeria marked Democracy Day, and argued that no democracy endures if citizens can't live, work, worship, and travel safely.
"There can be no more fitting way to honour 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."
Archbishop Okoh said Christians believe every human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God. He called on the faithful to stand with bereaved families, displaced persons, the wounded, and those traumatised by violence. He quoted Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
CAN urged all levels of government to take urgent, decisive, and sustained steps to protect lives and property. "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 association backed ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen community-level security. It commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11. The bill now awaits Senate consideration. Archbishop Okoh described it as an important step towards strengthening grassroots security and enabling communities to play a greater role in protecting lives and property.
CAN also called on churches, Christian schools, hospitals, mission institutions, and other faith-based organisations 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.
"While we trust in God's protection, we must also exercise wisdom and prudence in protecting those under our care," he said.
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.
The CAN leader said the quest for security is not separate from Nigeria's democratic journey. "It is central to its success and sustainability," he said.