The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of deliberately misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, insisting that what is happening in several parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a “Christian genocide.”
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the Presidency twisted facts in a press release reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, which claimed that CAN dismissed reports of genocide as “a so-called Christian genocide.”
According to Archbishop Okoh, the claim is false and grossly unfair. “At no point did I 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,” he stated.
The controversy followed Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, where he sought clarification on CAN’s position regarding U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s remarks describing the persistent killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”
“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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN also expressed alarm over the Presidency’s subsequent release titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.” The association said the report falsely suggested that its leadership downplayed the killings.
During the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, 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 Archbishop Okoh and other top CAN officials, including Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba, Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue, Bishop Mike Akpami, Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, and Dr. Victor Ivoke.
For clarity, CAN stated that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.
“We call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice,” Okoh said, adding that the association’s commitment to peace does not mean silence in the face of injustice.