The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has enjoined Nigerians to refuse to surrender to fear in the face of the nation’s persistent security challenges, urging resilience to overcome all forces of evil.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, appealed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja to mark ‘Black Sunday ‘, a day set aside by the association to honour victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, urging Nigerians to pray for the country and affected families and to support victims in rebuilding their lives.
While the nation navigates difficult challenges, he stated that unity, compassion and continuous prayer are vital for national healing and for strengthening the country in the face of emerging threats.
Okoh 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 persistent loss of innocent lives across the country, emphasising that the security of lives and property remains 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 enjoined churches, Christian schools, hospitals and mission institutions to be security-conscious and to collaborate with local security networks to safeguard their environments.
