The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified its position on the alleged genocide against Christians in the country.
CAN acknowledged that several Christian communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, have faced devastating attacks, resulting in loss of lives and the destruction of churches and other places of worship.
This comes after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being persecuted and killed in large numbers.
In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, the association said it had become necessary to address the issue with “clarity, truth, and compassion.”
“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 stated.
He explained that CAN, in collaboration with the broader Christian community, has consistently drawn both national and international attention to the plight of Christians in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the association has set up mechanisms for documenting incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
CAN said these actions underscore its unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial.
“We therefore renew our call on the 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,” Okoh said.
While acknowledging government efforts to address security challenges, CAN urged authorities to intensify their actions to ensure equitable protection for all citizens and to prosecute those responsible for violence swiftly and transparently.
It also appealed to Christian leaders to continue to act with wisdom, unity, and faith, noting that peace remains fragile and must be guarded carefully.
“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame but from courage — the courage to face our collective failures, grieve together, and rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace,” CAN stated.