Borno Christians join nationwide Black Sunday protest over insecurity

Christian worshippers in Borno State on Sunday joined a nationwide “Black Sunday” observance declared by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in a coordinated show of grief and protest over worsening insecurity across the country.

The exercise, held simultaneously in churches across Nigeria, was designed as a day of mourning for victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, as well as a unified call for urgent government action to address the escalating violence affecting several regions.

In Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, congregants and church leaders held peaceful processions and special prayer sessions, voicing concern over continued attacks and abductions that have left many communities vulnerable.

Joshua Akeredolu, Secretary of the CAN Borno State chapter, said the demonstration reflected growing frustration among Christians in the state and across the country over persistent insecurity.

“Our nation is bleeding, and people are living in fear,” he said. “We cannot remain silent while innocent lives are being lost.”

The nationwide observance, directed by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, also coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day period, a timing the church body said was intended to draw attention to the link between security and democratic stability.

Speaking in a national message shared with congregations, Okoh said the Church was compelled to speak out in unity over the state of the nation.

“Today, we are not only mourning; we are speaking with one voice,” he said. “The quest for security is central to the success of our democracy.”

Beyond prayers and mourning, Christian leaders used the occasion to renew calls for sweeping security reforms, urging the Federal Government to adopt more aggressive measures to protect citizens.

The association reiterated its longstanding demand for the decentralisation of policing, backing ongoing legislative efforts on community and state policing, and urging the Senate to fast-track relevant bills.

CAN also renewed calls for a coordinated national security emergency response framework to curb kidnappings and violent attacks, as well as intensified operations to secure the release of citizens held by armed groups.

Given the continued threat of attacks in parts of the North-East, including operations by Boko Haram and ISWAP, CAN advised churches, schools, and mission hospitals to enhance internal security arrangements and improve coordination with local security agencies.

Despite the sombre tone of the event, organisers encouraged citizens not to succumb to fear, ending the observance with prayers for peace, national healing, and stronger leadership in tackling insecurity across the country.