The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has faulted a statement credited to the Presidency which, it said, misrepresented its stance on the killings of Christians across the country, reaffirming that the violence amounts to a “Christian genocide” that has persisted for years without justice.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it became necessary to issue a clarification following “misleading reports” that trailed the courtesy visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, October 20, 2025.
According to CAN, Bwala’s visit was to seek understanding of the Christian body’s position in the wake of global reactions to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s comment describing the sustained attacks on Christians in Nigeria as a Christian genocide.
“During the meeting, Barrister Bwala acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity, noting that the current administration inherited the challenge and is working to address it,” the statement explained.
However, CAN expressed shock at a press release reportedly issued after the visit, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’.
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” Archbishop Okoh declared. “The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did I or any member of the leadership describe the killings as a ‘so-called Christian genocide.’ Referring to the tragedy in such terms trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.”
Reaffirming its long-standing position, CAN maintained that the killings are targeted and systematic.
“Across parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised, and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages razed, and families displaced,” Okoh said. “These are not random crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has gone on for years without justice or closure.”
The statement added that Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa, detailing consistent and targeted assaults on Christians across Africa, including Nigeria.
CAN also clarified inaccuracies in some reports, stating that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa were not at the meeting.
Those in attendance included Archbishop Daniel Okoh (President), Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun (General Secretary), Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba (Director of Education, Women & Youth), Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Director of Legal & Public Affairs), Bishop Mike Akpami (Director of Planning, Research & Strategy), Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Director of National Issues & Social Welfare), Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly (Secretary, North Central Zone), and Dr. Victor Ivoke (Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President).
CAN further called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt the killings and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We urge media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility,” the statement concluded. “Careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”
