The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over renewed debates on faith, violence, and insecurity across the country, warning that Christian communities remain vulnerable to relentless attacks.
In a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly and equitably to protect citizens, particularly Christian communities in northern Nigeria.
Okoh said, “CAN affirms, without hesitation, that 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.
“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”
The statement comes amid heightened international attention, with several American voices raising alarm about alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
U.S. Senator, Ted Cruz recently proposed a bill aimed at protecting “persecuted” Christians in the country. Similarly, Riley Moore, a US congressman, wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging decisive diplomatic action against Nigeria over what he described as “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
American talk show host, Bill Maher also alleged that Christians were being “systematically exterminated” by terror groups in Nigeria.
CAN said it has, for years, engaged in sustained advocacy to draw global attention to the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
According to the association, such efforts include writing to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and hosting global Christian organisations, such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
Its concern, Okoh noted, is that “these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial,” stressing that decisive and transparent action must be taken to end the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.
“The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” CAN said.
While acknowledging ongoing interventions by government and security agencies, CAN urged that such efforts be redoubled and evenly applied across all regions. It also called on Christian leaders to exercise restraint and wisdom in navigating the tense climate.
The statement noted, “We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”
Archbishop Okoh emphasised that national reconciliation could only come through honesty and courage in confronting Nigeria’s collective failures.
He said, “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities.
“Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”
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