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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have disagreed
over recent comments by a US Senator, Ted Cruz, alleging genocide and targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, described the claims as false, misleading and not reflective of the reality on the ground.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with a U.S.-based Fox News, the Minister firmly rejected the allegations.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the minister said: “This is not the reflection of what is on the ground. I mean it’s false where you say over 20,000 churches have been burnt.
“It’s also false if you say 52,000 (Christians killed). Where did he get those numbers from? I think this is absolutely absurd. It’s not supported by any facts whatsoever. The Nigerian government rejects that.
“No Nigerian officials will willingly, deliberately indulge in the act of siding with violent extremists to target any particular religion in this country. This is absolutely false.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, adding that Nigeria is a multi-faith country, meaning that it’s a country that has multiple religions.
“Nigeria is a very tolerant country. The government of Nigeria is committed to ensuring that there is religious freedom in this country”.
He, however, acknowledged the challenges of violent extremism that affect all Nigerians regardless of faith.
“It’s unfortunate, sadly, that some of these extremists have killed a number of Christians and a number of Muslims almost everywhere this violent extremism has attacked.
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“So, it’s not true. We find that to be very unfortunate. It’s despicable, it’s not right. This is absolutely false to say that there is a calculated or a deliberate attempt to kill a particular religious group; it’s not correct,” Idris said.
The Federal Government, he said, is reassuring its citizens and the international community that the security forces remain committed to combating terrorism and banditry in all forms, and will continue to protect every Nigerian without discrimination.
In a statement yesterday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, affirmed 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.
CAN said these realities were painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region, religion, or political differences.
The umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria said the affirmation became necessary following deep concern about the recent conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity across the country targeted at Christian communities.
“In moments such as this when passions rise and interpretations differ, it becomes necessary to speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion. Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian communities have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
“The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidences of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial. We, therefore, renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.”
CAN President, however, acknowledged the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges but suggested that the efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all.
“It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are swiftly and transparently brought to justice. 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.”
He insisted that Nigeria’s healing would not come from denial or blame but from courage to face the collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within the communities. “Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace,” he said.
