By Luminous Jannamike
ABUJA — The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday warned that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive amid worsening insecurity, declaring that security was central to the country’s democratic survival.
Marking Black Sunday in honour of victims of violence across the country, CAN mourned those killed, displaced and traumatised by insecurity, demanding urgent action from government.
It also urged churches and faith-based institutions to strengthen security measures, and back efforts to establish community and state policing.
The position was contained in a Black Sunday message issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, to Christians across 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 said Black Sunday was being observed in honour of the countless victims of insecurity, including men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been shattered by violence, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and bloodshed.
Archbishop Okoh said Christians believed every human life was sacred because each person was created in the image of God, and called on the faithful to stand in solidarity with bereaved families, displaced persons, the wounded and those traumatised by violence.
Quoting Matthew 5:4, he said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
He added that the church was praying for God’s comfort, healing, protection and justice for all those 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, stressing that public safety remained 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 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 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.
“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 backed ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen security at the community level.
While awaiting Senate consideration of the proposal, Archbishop Okoh commended the House of Representatives for passing the Community and State Policing Bill on June 11, describing it as an important step towards 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 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 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 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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