The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted reports suggesting that its leadership dismissed claims of ongoing attacks against Christian communities in the country as a “so-called Christian genocide.”
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described such reports as “completely false and grossly unfair,” clarifying that at no point during its meeting with the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Barrister Daniel Bwala, did the CAN leadership downplay the widespread killings of Christians.
The clarification followed Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, where discussions centered on comments by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who recently described the attacks on Nigerian Christians as a “Christian genocide.”
According to the statement, Bwala had explained that both Christians and Muslims had suffered from insecurity and that the administration was working to address the situation it inherited. However, CAN emphasized that its position on the matter has been consistent — that Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, have faced repeated, organized, and deadly assaults over the years without justice or closure.
The association expressed dismay over a statement reportedly issued by Bwala titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership,” which suggested that Archbishop Okoh dismissed the genocide narrative.
“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,” the statement read.
During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by top CAN officials, including Vice President Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, General Secretary Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, and several directors. The association also clarified that some individuals listed in certain reports were not present at the meeting.
CAN called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act urgently and decisively to halt the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. It further urged media practitioners and government officials to communicate with “truth, empathy, and responsibility,” warning that careless statements could inflame tensions and undermine peace