CAN has confirmed Christian Genocide in Nigeria and accused the presidency of twisting facts.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, insisting that the situation in several parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a “Christian genocide.”
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it was compelled to clarify its stance following a controversial press release allegedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications.
According to CAN, Bwala’s statement falsely claimed that the association dismissed the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide” after his visit to the CAN Secretariat in Abuja on Monday.
“CAN made it clear that its position on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged. Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks that have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and families displaced,” Archbishop Okoh stated.
The association expressed shock at a subsequent statement from the Presidency titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership,” saying it completely distorted what transpired.
“That portrayal is false and unfair. At no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship,” CAN emphasized.
CAN also disclosed that during the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, its Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent, targeted attacks on Christians across Nigeria.
The statement urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly and transparently to end the killings, while cautioning public officials and media professionals to communicate “with truth, empathy, and responsibility.”
“Our commitment to peace does not mean silence in the face of injustice. Truth must always guide engagement among the Church, the State, and the public,” Okoh said.
Other CAN officials present at the meeting included Rev. Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle Samson Fatokun (General Secretary), Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba (Director of Education, Women and Youth), and Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq) (Director of Legal and Public Affairs).
Kukah Cautions Against Re-Designating Nigeria as ‘Country of Concern’
Meanwhile, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has appealed to the international community not to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
Speaking at the 2025 Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) World Report launch in Vatican City, Kukah warned that such a move could undermine ongoing peace and interfaith dialogue efforts.
While admitting that Nigeria faces severe security and ethnic crises, Kukah said, “We are not dealing with people killing simply because I am a Christian. I live and work in Sokoto — right in the womb of Islam — where collaboration remains possible.”
He acknowledged that widespread insecurity has created “conditions for genocide” in some communities, blaming both federal and state governments for their inability to protect citizens.
The cleric described the Buhari era as “the worst phase in interfaith relations,” but praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for showing inclusiveness through religiously balanced appointments.
Kukah also urged the government to ensure constitutional compliance in all states, especially concerning Sharia law in northern Nigeria, warning that its misuse fuels discrimination and mob justice.
On international relations, he cautioned:
“Re-designating Nigeria as a ‘Country of Concern’ will only heighten tensions and embolden perpetrators of violence. What Nigeria needs now is support, cooperation, and reform — not isolation.”
He concluded with optimism, commending the Vatican’s renewed peace efforts under Pope Leo XIV and expressing hope that Nigeria could contribute to a global fight against extremism.
“Nigeria can make a great contribution to world peace if we rid our country of religious extremism. We should be supported, not punished,” Kukah said.