CAN Addresses Meeting with Presidency, Stands Firm on 'Christian Genocide' Claims

Table of Contents

1. Clarification from the Christian Association of Nigeria
2. Details of the Meeting
3. CAN's Statement
4. Attacks on Christian Communities
5. Bwala's Statement
6. Call to Action

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has provided clarification regarding its recent meeting with Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.

The meeting was held at the CAN Secretariat located within the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

During this visit, Bwala aimed to comprehend CAN’s stance on the global responses to remarks made by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who referred to the widespread assaults on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide’.

According to CAN, Bwala acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims have endured the consequences of insecurity, emphasizing that the current administration inherited this issue and is actively working to resolve it.

CAN reiterated that its position on this matter has long been established and remains unchanged.

It further stated that in numerous areas of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have faced repeated, organized, and brutal attacks resulting in thousands of deaths, the destruction of villages, and the displacement of families.

CAN stressed that these attacks and killings are not isolated incidents but represent a persistent pattern of violence that has continued for years without justice or resolution.

However, CAN expressed alarm upon seeing a press statement reportedly issued by Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’.

This report inaccurately implied that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or minimized the ongoing killings by referring to them as a “so-called Christian genocide.”

“That characterization is entirely false and deeply unjust. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no time did Archbishop Okoh use such terminology or convey such an opinion,” stated a declaration signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,
President of CAN.

“Describing the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivializes the suffering of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship due to targeted attacks.”

CAN further clarified that during the meeting, its Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data demonstrating consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across various regions of Africa, including Nigeria.

The meeting included participation from Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Ozumba, Emmanuel Nicodemus, 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 clarity, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.

The apex Christian body urged the Federal Government and security agencies to respond with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt the killings and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Additionally, it called upon media professionals and government officials to communicate with truth, empathy, and responsibility, noting that careless language can exacerbate wounds and jeopardize peace.