The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified its position on what it described as rising insecurity and targeted attacks against Christian communities, especially in the northern parts of the country, urging government and security agencies to act decisively to end the violence.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and made available through a press release titled “Christian Genocide – CAN Clarifies Position”, the association expressed deep concern over “the recent conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity across the country.”
According to the statement, “The National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has followed with deep concern the recent conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity across the country. In moments such as these, when passions rise and interpretations differ, it becomes necessary to speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion.”
CAN said it “affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship.” It described these attacks as “painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”
The statement further noted that over the years, the association and the wider Christian community have worked tirelessly to draw attention both nationally and internationally to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
“The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement,” the statement added.
Despite these efforts, CAN lamented that “these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.” It therefore renewed its call “on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.”
“The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” the statement stressed.
While acknowledging efforts by government and security agencies in tackling insecurity, CAN urged that “these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all,” adding that it is “imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice.”
The association also appealed to Christian leaders to “continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”
Concluding, Archbishop Okoh emphasised that “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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