Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja, Nigeria — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has rejected recent media reports claiming its leadership downplayed attacks against Christians in the country. The clarification follows a visit by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to CAN’s Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, 20 October 2025.
During the visit, Barrister Bwala sought to understand CAN’s perspective on remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who described attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.” CAN maintained that the widespread violence against Christians in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt is ongoing and systematic, leaving thousands dead and many more displaced.
Contrary to some reports, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, did not describe the attacks as a “so-called genocide,” the association said. CAN emphasized that such claims are false and misleading, noting that the meeting was documented by the organization’s media team.
The association highlighted data presented during the meeting by Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, confirming repeated targeted attacks on Christians across Nigeria and other African countries.
CAN also called on the federal government and security agencies to urgently address the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. Additionally, the organization urged media outlets and officials to report responsibly, stressing that careless reporting could worsen tensions and hinder peace efforts.
Attendees of the meeting included senior CAN officials, including the Vice President, General Secretary, and Directors of various departments. CAN clarified that two individuals mentioned in earlier reports, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, were not present at the meeting.
CAN’s statement reaffirms the association’s long-standing stance on the safety and protection of Christians in Nigeria, insisting that violence against religious communities must be taken seriously and addressed transparently.
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