RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently declare a state of emergency on insecurity across the country to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians.
The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in Abuja while presenting a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the association’s National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026.
The summit, themed “ The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together church leaders, bloc representatives, and delegates to assess the nation’s challenges and deliberate on possible solutions.
Archbishop Okoh clarified that the association’s position should not be interpreted as opposition to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but rather as a call for the government to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting citizens and maintaining national security.
According to him, the worsening security situation in different parts of the country requires urgent and decisive action from the authorities.
“We are engaging a government that still has a responsibility to the people, and we believe it will listen and take the necessary steps. The situation has reached a point where a state of emergency on security has become necessary,” he stated.
On the issue of self-defence, Archbishop Okoh acknowledged that protecting oneself is a natural human instinct but stressed that any form of self-protection must be exercised within the limits of the law.
He urged citizens, communities, and churches to take lawful measures to safeguard their lives, homes, and properties while avoiding actions that could undermine public order.
The CAN president also disclosed that the association would continue to engage the government through public advocacy and diplomatic channels to ensure that insecurity receives the attention it deserves.
He explained that the summit marked the beginning of a broader strategy aimed at promoting peace and security across the country.
Archbishop Okoh noted that security challenges, which were once concentrated in parts of Northern Nigeria, are increasingly spreading to other regions, raising concerns about the safety of citizens nationwide.
He further expressed support for international cooperation in tackling insecurity, particularly partnerships between Nigeria and foreign governments willing to assist in combating terrorism and criminal activities.
According to him, any legitimate support that strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to confront insecurity should be welcomed, provided it follows established diplomatic and legal procedures.
The CAN president reiterated the association’s commitment to advocating for a safer and more secure nation, urging all stakeholders to work together to address the country’s security challenges.
