By Stellamaris Amuwa
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a clarifying statement on the ongoing violence affecting Christian communities across the country, particularly in northern Nigeria, amid rising national and international concern over what some have described as a “Christian genocide.”
In a press release signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Association expressed deep concern over increasing religiously-motivated violence, emphasising the suffering of Christian communities in the face of persistent insecurity.
“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,” the statement read. “These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”
CAN reaffirmed its longstanding efforts to document and respond to incidents of persecution, both locally and on the international stage. These efforts have included engagements with global Christian bodies such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement, formal communication with the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms for religiously-motivated violence within Nigeria.
While acknowledging efforts by the government and security agencies, CAN criticized what it described as repeated delays and denials in response to the targeted killings and displacement of Christians.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.
“The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” CAN stated.
Archbishop Okoh urged authorities to take “urgent, transparent, and equitable action” to bring an end to the violence and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted under the law.
He also called on Christian leaders to remain unified and wise in their response, stressing the importance of peace and national cohesion.
