Christian Association of Nigeria declares Black Sunday to mourn insecurity victims
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN declared a nationwide Black Sunday to honor victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy. CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated that the observance aimed to mourn those affected by violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry. The association emphasized that the nation is bleeding and the Church cannot remain silent while innocent lives are lost. Coinciding with Democracy Day, CAN highlighted that security is central to Nigeria’s democratic journey, as democracy is founded on the sanctity of human life and the protection of citizens. The Christian body expressed solidarity with bereaved families and victims, praying for comfort and justice. CAN urged all levels of government to take urgent and sustained measures to address security challenges, emphasizing that protecting citizens is a sacred responsibility. Churches and faith-based organizations were advised to strengthen security measures, enhance awareness, and collaborate with local security networks. CAN encouraged Nigerians to remain united in pursuit of peace, justice, and national healing, and to continue praying for the nation and supporting affected communities.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Adeniyi Adelana, the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Ondo State, was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday. The incident occurred around 8 pm when approximately six armed men invaded his residence, whisking the 60-year-old community leader away into the bush. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the abduction, stating that the Ondo State Police Command has initiated a coordinated rescue operation. The victim's wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police operatives and other security personnel have been mobilized, and a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation is underway, with security forces combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units and operational teams to intensify efforts for the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of the perpetrators.
Must ReadMinister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced that major South-East road projects, including the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway, are being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Umahi stated this during an inspection tour of Federal Government projects in Ebonyi. The minister noted that Section One of the highway, extended to 123.6 kilometers, is being executed at a cost of ₦45 billion, while Section Two, traversing Benue and Kogi states to Nasarawa, has been awarded at ₦668 billion and is about 28 percent complete in some sections. He highlighted that the adoption of concrete road technology allows construction to continue during the rainy season. Umahi described the Trans-Sahara Superhighway as an investment corridor that will boost trade and connect Nigeria to Cameroon. The inspection team also visited the 1.3-kilometer Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo Local Government Area, expected to be completed in December 2026, and the ₦35 billion Onueke Flyover project. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi commended President Tinubu for the infrastructure projects and the administration's commitment to national renewal. Umahi also disclosed that South-East governors and leaders would gather in Abakaliki for a rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. The National Media Tour, organized by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team, will continue to Enugu, Abia, Anambra, and Imo states.
The Youth Arise Movement has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to direct security agencies to implement strategies for protecting rural communities from criminal elements. In a statement signed by Convener Comrade Ademola Babatunde, the group expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity, urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive measures. Babatunde highlighted that Nigerians have endured over fifteen years of attacks from terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, resulting in deaths, displacements, and suffering. He noted that rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate security. The group called for collaboration among the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders. Babatunde also raised alarm over recent attacks on schools, students, and teachers, describing them as a threat to national development. He urged all levels of government to transparently deploy resources for security and regional development to protect schools, communities, farms, and critical infrastructure. The movement stressed that the security of human lives is the government's primary responsibility and called for stronger community-based security initiatives, improved intelligence gathering, and enhanced collaboration. The group warned that persistent insecurity threatens democratic governance and urged the President, Federal Executive Council, and National Assembly to prioritize the protection of Nigerians. This call f