MAIDUGURI, Borno State — Christians in Borno State observed what they called “Black Sunday” to protest the persistent insecurity and abductions plaguing the region, demanding an end to violence and kidnappings that have targeted worshippers and communities across the state.
The solemn observance, which took place across various churches in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno, saw worshippers dressed in black attire as a symbol of mourning for the countless lives lost to insurgency and banditry over the past decade and beyond. Church services were characterised by emotional prayers, candlelight vigils, and passionate appeals to government authorities to take urgent action to protect citizens.
Church leaders who spoke during the services condemned what they described as the selective protection of lives and property in the state. They argued that while some communities have received significant security attention, others remain vulnerable to frequent attacks by terrorists and bandits operating from hideouts in the Sambisa Forest and along the Lake Chad basin.
The term “Black Sunday” was deliberately chosen to symbolise the darkness that insecurity has brought upon the Christian community in Borno, which has suffered disproportionately from the Boko Haram insurgency that began over a decade ago. Thousands of Christians have been killed, churches destroyed, and families displaced as a result of the protracted conflict.
One pastor, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, told journalists that the church is no longer a safe haven for worshippers. He recalled recent incidents where worshippers were abducted while returning from Sunday services, while others were attacked in their homes during midnight raids by suspected insurgents. He called on the government to deploy more security personnel to protect places of worship and surrounding communities.
The protest also highlighted the plight of kidnapped Christians who remain in captivity. Family members of abducted victims carried placards bearing the names and photographs of their loved ones, demanding their immediate release. Some of the captives have been held for months or even years, with little to no communication from their abductors or updates from security agencies.
Religious leaders used the occasion to call on the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency on security in Borno and other affected North-Eastern states. They argued that despite repeated military offensives, the insurgents have continued to regroup and launch attacks on soft targets, including churches, schools, and markets.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, issued a statement endorsing the Black Sunday observance and calling on all Christians nationwide to stand in solidarity with their persecuted brethren in the North-East. The statement urged the government to adopt a more comprehensive approach to counter-insurgency that includes intelligence gathering, community policing, and rehabilitation of displaced populations.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has repeatedly expressed commitment to ending the insurgency and restoring peace to the state. His administration has invested heavily in rebuilding destroyed communities, resettling internally displaced persons, and supporting the military with logistics and equipment. However, critics argue that these efforts have not translated into tangible security improvements for vulnerable communities.
The Black Sunday observance has drawn reactions from civil society groups and human rights organisations, many of whom have called for an independent inquiry into the root causes of the persistent insecurity in Borno. Some have also urged the National Human Rights Commission to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by both insurgents and security forces operating in the region.
As the sun set on Borno’s Black Sunday, the message from the Christian community was unmistakable: enough is enough. The demand for an end to insecurity is not a political statement but a cry for survival from a people who have endured too much for too long. For now, the crosses and placards have been packed away, but the resolve to keep demanding justice and safety remains as strong as ever.
