CAN fires back at presidency, says ‘Christian genocide’ is real

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of twisting facts and 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 clarified that it did not, at any point, dismiss or describe the widespread killings as a ‘so-called Christian genocide’, as claimed in a press release reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.

According to the statement, the controversy followed Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, during which he sought to understand CAN’s position on remarks made by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described 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,” the CAN President said.

CAN expressed alarm over the Presidency’s subsequent release titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’.

The apex Christian body said the report falsely suggested that Archbishop Okoh had downplayed the killings by describing them as a ‘so-called Christian genocide’.

“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh 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,” Archbishop Okoh said.