CAN denies downplaying killings of Christians, reaffirms attacks as ‘Christian genocide’

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has strongly denied ever describing the ongoing attacks on Christian communities across the country as “so-called Christian genocide,” insisting that the violence constitutes a Christian genocide as earlier described by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and other global figures.

The clarification followed a statement reportedly issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Barrister Daniel Bwala, titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.”

Bwala’s statement, released after his visit to the CAN Secretariat on Monday, suggested that the Christian body had downplayed claims of genocide against Christians, reportedly describing it as a “so-called Christian genocide.”

But in a swift response on Tuesday, CAN, through a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, denied ever making such comments or discussing any denial of the genocide narrative during the meeting with the presidential aide.

The statement read, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes to correct recent media reports following the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, 20 October 2025.

“During the visit, Barrister Bwala sought to understand CAN’s position regarding the global reactions to remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide.’ He noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity, adding that the current administration inherited the problem and is working to address it.

“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 Christian body expressed shock over Bwala’s media statement, describing it as “completely false and grossly unfair.”

“However, CAN was alarmed to see a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.’ The report falsely suggested that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing 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,” the statement added.

CAN further disclosed that its Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa during the meeting, which documented consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across various regions of Africa, including Nigeria.

According to the statement, those present at the meeting included Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba, Director of Education, Women & Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal & Public Affairs; Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research & Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting,” it clarified.

The Association called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act “with urgency, fairness, and transparency” to end the killings and ensure justice for victims.

It further urged government officials and the media to exercise responsibility in their communication.

“CAN calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice. It also urges media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace,” the statement noted.