Jos, Plateau State — November 13, 2025:
The Plateau State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared that a “Christian genocide” is taking place across the country, citing widespread killings, persecution, and displacement of Christians in several parts of Nigeria.
This declaration was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of CAN, held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at The Covenant Word Christian Centre International, Jos, and read by the State Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk.
The Council, after extensive deliberations on issues affecting the Church, Plateau State, and the nation, raised several observations and resolutions.
CAN expressed deep concern over what it described as ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria, stating that evidence—including mass burial sites and detailed victim data—exists across Plateau and other states.
“The State Executive Council affirms with a loud voice that there is a Christian genocide taking place in Nigeria,” the communiqué read, noting that memorial sites would soon be erected in Plateau State to honor victims of the violence.
The Council also condemned threats to the lives of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, Barr. Solomon Mwantiri, and other Christian voices who have spoken out against the killings. CAN called on both the Federal and State Governments to act decisively to protect lives and properties regardless of religious affiliation.
“Justice, fairness, and accountability remain the foundation for national peace and unity,” Rev. Gomwalk emphasized, urging believers to continue upholding peace, prayer, and constructive advocacy despite ongoing challenges.
The Council commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for promoting unity through the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, stressing that genuine peace can only be achieved when unity is strengthened both within the Church and among people of different faiths.
CAN raised alarm over the Federal Ministry of Interior’s tax and repatriation policies affecting missionaries, calling for immediate exemptions. The Council argued that missionaries are not profit-making entities and should be protected under the principles of freedom of religion and belief.
Addressing the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Council urged the government to facilitate their safe return to ancestral homes, provide adequate security, and empower affected communities to rebuild their livelihoods.
As political activities begin to heighten ahead of the 2027 general elections, CAN cautioned Christians to prioritize unity and the integrity of the Church above partisan politics.
“Politics will come and go, but the Church remains,” the communiqué stated, urging believers to demonstrate maturity, love, and restraint in all political engagements.
Highlighting the growing challenge of unemployment and youth vulnerability, the Council called for collaborative efforts between the Church, government, and private sector to create opportunities for skills development and empowerment. CAN stressed that youth engagement is key to Plateau’s moral, spiritual, and economic stability.
The Council commended the peaceful conduct of the recent State Executive elections and encouraged similar transparency and brotherly love in the forthcoming Local Government CAN elections.
CAN condemned the rise in substance abuse across Plateau State and called for stricter regulation of taverns and illicit drug distribution. It urged government, community, and Church leaders to work together to eradicate the menace.
In its conclusion, the Plateau State CAN reaffirmed its commitment to:
- The unity of the body of Christ,
- The peace and stability of Plateau State, and
- The promotion of righteousness, justice, and love in society.
The communiqué urged Christian leaders and faithful across the state to remain steadfast, prayerful, and united in building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau and Nigeria.