THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday raised alarm over ongoing attacks on Christian communities, resulting in significant loss of lives. In a statement, CAN President Daniel Okoh called for urgent action from security agencies to curb the escalating violence across the country.
“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region,” Okoh said, emphasising the need for swift intervention to halt the killings and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The statement comes amid claims by US Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian officials of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.”
Cruz alleged that Nigerian Christians are being targeted for their faith, forced to submit to sharia and blasphemy laws, and announced his introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to sanction complicit officials.CAN responded by expressing frustration over delayed or denied justice.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial,” the statement read.
“We therefore renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.”CAN highlighted its long-standing efforts to address the persecution of Christians, including documenting religiously motivated killings, engaging with international partners, writing to the International Criminal Court, and collaborating with global Christian organisations like the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These efforts underscore CAN’s commitment to advocating for justice, peace, and the protection of Nigeria’s Christian communities.