***“Silence in the Face of Injustice Is Unbiblical,” Archbishop Declares in Jos
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has reaffirmed that Christian communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt are facing what he described as a “Christian genocide,” insisting that the Association will not retreat in demanding justice, accountability, and protection for persecuted believers.
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of CAN at Crispan Hotel in Jos, Plateau State, Okoh said the scale of killings, mass displacement, and repeated attacks on Christian communities has reached a crisis point that can no longer be ignored—either by the government or the international community.
“You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Okoh assured Christian communities in Plateau and across Northern Nigeria.
He recalled his delegation’s visit earlier this year to displaced Christians in Bokkos, where he encountered harrowing scenes of murdered families, burnt homes, razed churches, and entire villages wiped out.
“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” he said.
“We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”
Okoh described the ongoing attacks as an existential threat to Christian communities, stressing that moral duty and Christian doctrine require the Church to speak out.
“Our calling demands that we speak, because silence in the face of injustice is not only irresponsible; it is unbiblical,” he said.
He noted that several international bodies have begun drawing attention to the crisis an intervention he said the Christian community welcomes if it will compel meaningful action.
“Although we are pained that Nigeria is being spotlighted for such grievous reasons, if international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring lasting peace, then we welcome it,” he stated.
The CAN President urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement in predominantly Christian communities across the North.
He insisted that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) must be returned to their homes.
“Their prolonged stay in IDP camps is a painful indictment on our national conscience. If not addressed, this humanitarian crisis may escalate into something far more devastating. God forbid!”
Okoh commended the Plateau State Government for hosting the meeting and for its continued support to the Christian community.
Addressing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, he said:
“We encourage His Excellency to continue in this path of service… so that this blessed land may fully enter into the peace, stability, and prosperity ordained for it. Plateau will rise again.”
The CAN President said the choice of Jos as the venue for the NEC meeting was symbolic, describing the city as one that has “wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and continues to rise with resilient hope.”
He urged Christians nationwide to remain steadfast despite “deep scars” inflicted by years of violence.
“This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ,” he declared.
“Continue to sow seeds of hope, even in the soil of sorrow. In God’s time, the dawn shall break.”
Okoh prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit over the NEC deliberations, expressing hope that the meeting would strengthen fellowship, deepen unity, and advance justice and peace across the country.
