Christians in Borno State on Sunday called for an end to insecurity and abductions in the state and Nigeria at large.The call was made during a procession tagged “Black Sunday” in Maiduguri, the state capital.Speaking during the procession, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, Joshua Akeredolu, said the gathering was in adherence to directives issued by the national leadership of the association.He said, “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.“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 noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. The call was made during a procession tagged “Black Sunday” in Maiduguri, the state capital.Speaking during the procession, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, Joshua Akeredolu, said the gathering was in adherence to directives issued by the national leadership of the association.He said, “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.“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 noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. Speaking during the procession, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, Joshua Akeredolu, said the gathering was in adherence to directives issued by the national leadership of the association.He said, “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.“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 noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. He said, “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.“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 noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. “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 noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. He noted that many Christian faithful, including pastors, had been kidnapped and killed by terrorist groups in the state.Related NewsGeneral Rabe was not diabetic, son disputes govt’s claimOyo abductions: Bauchi governor blames insecurity on poor governance, povertyInsecurity: Kalu advocates local arms production“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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. “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.“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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. “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,” he added.Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. Joshua, however, explained that the Christian leadership in the state was protecting its members through advocacy and engagement with the government.“The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. “The Christian body is helping to protect the church through advocacy and mediating with the government,” he said.Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a nationwide Black Sunday in honour of victims of insecurity across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy that has left countless families devastated by violence, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country. In a message to Christians, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the observance was aimed at mourning the men, women, children, clergy, farmers, students and entire communities whose lives had been affected by the worsening security situation in the country.