CAN urges Nigerian gov’t to end killings of christians, demands transparent justice for victims

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, take transparent and equitable action to end the persistent killings of Christians across the country.

The Christian body also called for the prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks, insisting that perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.

In a statement signed on Thursday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN acknowledged the efforts of the government and security agencies in addressing insecurity but lamented that repeated calls for protection and justice for Christians have been met with “delay and denial.”

They appealed to the government to intensify efforts to safeguard citizens from violence, particularly Christians in Northern Nigeria who, they said, continue to face targeted attacks and persecution.

The statement reads,“The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has followed with deep concern the recent conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity across the country. In moments such as these, when passions rise and interpretations differ, it becomes necessary to speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion.

“CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship. These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.

“Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian community have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for 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 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. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

“CAN acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges, but urges that these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and unity while urging the government to act decisively to ensure justice for victims of religiously motivated violence and protect all Nigerians irrespective of their faith or region.