THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of twisting its words to downplay a “Christian genocide” in the country, calling a post-meeting statement “false, misleading, and insensitive.”
The clash erupted after presidential aide Daniel Bwala’s visit to CAN’s Abuja headquarters on October 20, where leaders presented data showing targeted attacks on Christians.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh rejected claims that the group dismissed genocide allegations, insisting verified reports from www.orfa.africa reveal systematic persecution by groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants.
“We never called it a ‘so-called genocide’—that’s a fabrication,” Okoh said, urging the government to act decisively against the killings that have claimed thousands of lives over 14 years.
On Arise TV Tuesday, Bwala defended the Presidency’s statement, insisting no genocide exists under President Bola Tinubu.
He dismissed CAN’s report as “outdated” and flawed, sourced from local media and NGOs that “introduced religion into the study.”
Bwala argued the violence stems from general insecurity, not targeted faith-based attacks.
CAN accused the Presidency of dodging international scrutiny, including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s recent congressional warnings.
The group highlighted over 52,000 Christian deaths and 16 million displaced, renewing calls for urgent federal intervention, justice for perpetrators, and responsible media coverage to prevent deepening divisions.
As the dispute trends on social media, CAN warned that “careless statements undermine peace.” With faith tensions simmering, the row underscores Nigeria’s fragile security landscape, where rhetoric must match action to protect vulnerable communities.