CAN faults presidency over misrepresentation of Christian killings

CAN faults presidency over misrepresentation of Christian killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its stance on the ongoing killings of Christians in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, describing the situation as a “Christian genocide.”

In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN rejected claims that it had downplayed the violence, following a controversial press release reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.

The controversy stems from Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Monday, where he sought clarification on CAN’s position regarding comments made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. The senator had described the targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”

Archbishop Okoh clarified that CAN’s position on the matter remains unchanged and firmly rooted in years of documented violence against Christian communities.

“Across many parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organized, and brutal attacks, which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and families displaced,” Okoh said. “These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure.”

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CAN expressed dismay over the Presidency’s subsequent publication titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership,” which it said falsely implied that Archbishop Okoh referred to the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide.”

“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” the statement read. “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’ trivializes the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.”

During the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, presented data from www.orfa.africa, highlighting systematic and targeted attacks on Christians across Africa, including Nigeria.

CAN also clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.

The association called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act decisively to end the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. It also urged media professionals and government officials to communicate with empathy and accuracy.

“Careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace,” Archbishop Okoh warned, adding that CAN’s commitment to peace must not be mistaken for silence in the face of injustice.

CAN faults presidency over misrepresentation of Christian killings