CAN agrees with US lawmakers on Christian genocide claim, asks FG to protect communities

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over renewed conversations on faith, violence, and insecurity across the country.

The association also called for urgent and equitable government action to protect Christian communities facing attacks.

CAN’s statement comes in the wake of claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria from prominent voices in the United States.

Ted Cruz, a US senator, recently proposed a bill that seeks to protect “persecuted” Christians in Nigeria.

Riley Moore, a member of the US house of representatives, had asked Marco Rubio, secretary of state, to immediately take decisive diplomatic action against the Nigerian government over the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in the country.

Bill Maher, United States comedian and talk show host, also alleged that Christians are being systematically exterminated in Nigeria by terror groups.

‘CRIES FOR JUSTICE OFTEN MET WITH DENIAL’

In a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN president, the association said Christian communities, especially in northern Nigeria, have suffered severe assaults, loss of lives, and destruction of places of worship.

“CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship,” Okoh said.

“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”

The association said it had for years engaged in sustained advocacy to draw attention to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, including writing to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and hosting global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.

CAN said its concern remain that “these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial”, urging government and security agencies to act swiftly and transparently to end the killings and ensure perpetrators face justice.

“The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” it added.

While acknowledging the efforts of government and security agencies, CAN urged that such interventions be redoubled and evenly applied across all regions.

“We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted,” the statement added.

Okoh said Nigeria’s healing would come through collective courage to confront failures and rebuild trust.

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities,” he said.

“Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”

On September 30, President Bola Tinubu said allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria are unfounded, noting that the country is built on the faith and resilience of its people.

Speaking in Owerri, the Imo state capital, the president said no religion is under threat in the country, adding that Nigerians, after 65 years of independence, have learned to appreciate their cultural and religious diversity.

On October 8, Mohammed Idris, minister of information, described claims of Christian genocide in Nigeria as “ignorant, false and baseless”.