The Nonreligious Community in Nigeria has criticised recent calls for nationwide prayer issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in response to escalating killings, kidnappings, and terror attacks across the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, the group said the country is experiencing “severe violence unleashed by armed Islamic militias,” including Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed herders, and other militant groups, whose attacks have devastated communities and claimed lives across religious and nonreligious lines.

While acknowledging the right of religious leaders and public officials to express their beliefs, the organisation argued that symbolic gestures cannot replace concrete action.

“We must emphatically state that calls for prayer have never stopped terrorism, banditry, or genocide anywhere in the world,” the group said.

“What Nigeria urgently needs are good governance, efficient law enforcement, security reforms, and accountability, not symbolic religious gestures.”

The group expressed concern that CAN and Governor Zulum were “turning public attention toward prayer instead of demanding the full force of the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” warning that such an approach “risks shifting the nation’s focus away from real, measurable action.”

The Nonreligious Community called on religious and political leaders to push for immediate policy and security interventions, listing five urgent measures: the disarmament of armed groups, independent investigations into all attacks, prosecution of perpetrators and financiers, reform of the national security architecture, and improved accountability from all tiers of government.

“We maintain that safety and progress cannot be achieved through vigils, fasting, or prayer declarations, whether issued by religious associations or state governors. The solution lies in political will, strategic action, and enforcement of the rule of law,” it said.

“We stand in solidarity with all victims of terrorism and reaffirm our commitment to promoting rational, evidence-based solutions to Nigeria’s security crisis. Nigeria does not need more prayers; Nigeria needs leadership, justice, and accountability.”

Earlier on Sunday, SaharaReporters reported that CAN had announced a nationwide one-day prayer to address what it described as the “ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” following resolutions reached at the 4th Quarter Meeting of its National Executive Council held on November 18, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State.

The declaration was issued in a circular dated November 20, 2025, and signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Apostle Professor Samson A. Fatokun.

The circular was issued from CAN’s National Headquarters at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The message, addressed to CAN bloc leaders, zonal and state chairmen, heads of church denominations, and resident pastors across Nigeria, conveyed directives from the CAN President, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh.

“As part of the resolutions of the 4th Quarter Meeting of CAN National Executive Council held in Jos, Plateau State on the 18th November 2025, I am directed by the CAN President, His Eminence, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, to inform all church leaders and pastors of the declaration/observance of a one-day nation-wide prayer against the ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” the letter stated.

The prayer, scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, is to be observed in all Christian denominations across Nigeria.