CAN has refuted claims it dismissed reports of Christian genocide, insisting targeted attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria persist.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted reports suggesting it dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, reaffirming instead that the pattern of violence against Christian communities constitutes an ongoing and organised extermination campaign.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, CAN clarified the events surrounding the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to its national secretariat at the Christian Centre, Abuja, on October 20.

According to the association, Barrister Bwala’s visit was aimed at understanding CAN’s position on recent remarks by US Senator Ted Cruz, who described the attacks on Nigerian Christians as a “Christian genocide.” Bwala reportedly emphasised that insecurity had affected both Christians and Muslims, adding that the Tinubu administration was working to address the situation it inherited.

However, CAN expressed shock over a press release purportedly issued by Bwala, titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.” The association said the report falsely claimed that its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, had dismissed the ongoing killings as a “so-called Christian genocide.”

“The portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” the statement read. “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.”

CAN stressed that its position has remained consistent over the years — that Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, have been victims of coordinated and repeated assaults resulting in thousands of deaths, destruction of villages, and mass displacement. The association maintained that these are not isolated incidents but a systemic pattern of violence that has gone largely unpunished.

During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across Africa, with Nigeria among the most affected countries.

The statement also stated, “The meeting was attended by 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 the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.” (Arise News)