The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of distorting facts and misrepresenting its stance on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, stressing that the situation in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt constitutes a “Christian genocide.”
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN refuted claims that it ever dismissed or referred to the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide,” as alleged in a press release reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.
According to the statement, the controversy stemmed from Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, where he sought clarification on CAN’s view regarding remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who had described the continued killing of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”
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“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 which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed and families displaced. These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure,” the CAN President said.
CAN expressed dismay over the Presidency’s subsequent press release titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership,” stating that it falsely portrayed Archbishop Okoh as having downplayed the killings by describing them as a “so-called Christian genocide.”
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and 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 in targeted attacks,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The statement noted that during the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data from [www.orfa.africa](http://www.orfa.africa), which highlighted consistent and targeted attacks on Christians in various regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
Those in attendance included Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba, Director of Education, Women and Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal and Public Affairs; Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research and Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues and Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President.
For clarity, CAN stated that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.
“We call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice.
“We also urge media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN reaffirmed that its commitment to peace does not equate to silence in the face of injustice, emphasizing that truth must remain the foundation of all engagements between the Church, the State, and the public.