CAN Declares Three-Day Mourning, Demands Security Emergency Over Rising School Abductions, Killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security following the escalating wave of kidnappings, killings and attacks on schools across the country.

The association also announced a three-day national mourning period to honour victims of recent attacks and to draw attention to the worsening security situation confronting many communities.

The resolutions were reached at the National Church Denominational Leaders’ Summit held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, where church leaders expressed concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and persistent terrorist attacks in several states.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, CAN said the decision became necessary following the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states, as well as recent deadly attacks in Plateau, Kogi and Anambra states.

The Christian body described the growing insecurity as a grave national crisis requiring urgent and decisive action from government at all levels.

“In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge,” CAN stated.

The association cited the abduction of dozens of pupils and students from Mussa Community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. It also referenced the kidnapping of students, teachers and school administrators from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

CAN further highlighted recent attacks in Plateau State, where several residents were reportedly killed and others injured during an assault on Gwon-Ajang Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. The association also noted the abduction of more than 25 persons in Kogi State and the killing of two police officers during an attack in Anambra State.

Adding his voice to the growing concern, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised what he described as the increasing focus on political calculations while citizens continue to suffer insecurity.

“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor described the continued abduction of schoolchildren as a troubling indicator of the country’s security challenges.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in the state.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Makinde said security agencies and relevant authorities were working collaboratively to ensure the victims’ safe return.

“Government at the national, state and local levels are working together to ensure the safe return of our children and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area,” the governor said.

CAN urged churches nationwide to observe the three-day mourning period through prayers and fasting for victims of insecurity and their families.

The association also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, strengthen the protection of schools and communities, and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

It stressed that urgent and coordinated action was required to halt the growing threats to lives, education and national development.