CAN National President Daniel Okoh
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified its position on the rising tide of violence affecting Christian communities in the country, reaffirming the reality of targeted attacks, especially in Northern Nigeria, and calling for urgent, equitable government intervention.
The statement, signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, responds to what the Association describes as ongoing “conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity” in Nigeria.
“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,” CAN declared.
“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”
While avoiding inflammatory labels, the Association emphasized that the persecution of Christians is neither imagined nor exaggerated, pointing to years of consistent advocacy both locally and internationally.
Over the years, CAN has documented incidents of religiously motivated killings, petitioned the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and collaborated with global Christian organizations like the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
“These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat,” the statement read.
Yet, CAN expressed disappointment over the slow or insufficient responses from the authorities.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial,” Archbishop Okoh stated. “The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.”
While acknowledging the efforts made by government and security agencies in tackling insecurity, CAN insists those efforts must be intensified and equitably applied. The association also urged that perpetrators of violence be held accountable through transparent and speedy judicial processes.
“It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice,” the statement continued. “We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”
CAN concluded with a sobering reminder that Nigeria’s healing depends not on deflection, but on honesty, unity, and courage.
“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.”
FG rejects CAN’s statement
The Federal Government has rejected the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) claims suggesting that Christians are being systematically targeted in the country.
In response, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated that violence in Nigeria is not limited to any single religious group, and that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of insecurity across various regions.
The government described the claims of Christian genocide as false and dangerous, warning that such narratives could fuel further division.
It emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and not driven by religious bias. Officials also pointed to ongoing military operations that have led to the rescue of thousands of hostages and the elimination of terrorists, as proof that the government is actively addressing insecurity.
Additionally, the FG criticized exaggerated figures circulating online about Christian casualties and church destructions, insisting that such claims lack credible evidence.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and cautioned against politicizing religion in the face of national security concerns.
