Borno Christians observe Black Sunday, demand end to insecurity

Christians in Borno State observed "Black Sunday" with a procession in Maiduguri, demanding an end to the pervasive insecurity and abductions plaguing the state and Nigeria. The event followed directives from the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

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Today’s procession is in adherence to the call by the national leadership of CAN headed by Bishop Daniel, where he urged all believers to gather today and pray against the issue of insecurity in the nation.

Joshua Akeredolu, Secretary of CAN's Borno State chapter, explained the procession's purpose: to pray against insecurity and for divine guidance for national leaders. He noted that many Christians, including pastors, have been victims of kidnapping and murder by terrorist groups in the region. Akeredolu cited the case of Reverend Musa and his wife, kidnapped in 2023, and a pastor killed in Askira-Uba last year.

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Today is tagged as a Black Sunday for all believers within the nation to pray specifically for those who are in the den of kidnappers and to pray against the insecurity that we have found ourselves in as a nation. And also to pray for our leaders that God should give them direction and focus to end this within the nation.

He further stated that Christians are sometimes targeted specifically because of their faith, with abductors questioning their religion. The Christian leadership in Borno is actively engaged in advocacy and mediation with the government to protect its members.

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Currently within Borno State, we have Reverend Musa, who was kidnapped in 2023 in Gamboru Ngala along with his wife. We also have those who have lost their lives. These people were not even given any privilege; they were killed immediately after their abduction. For instance, in Askira-Uba, a pastor of the EYN Church was killed last year.

The nationwide "Black Sunday" observance was declared by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh to honor victims of insecurity, describing the situation as a national tragedy. The observance aimed to mourn those affected by violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, emphasizing the devastation faced by countless families.

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Not only pastors, our brethren have also been kidnapped, most especially because of our faith. Once a brethren is kidnapped, they will be asked, ‘Are you a Christian or Muslim?’ Because of that Christian tag, such a person will be held hostage