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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said on Tuesday that it stands by its earlier position on the alleged orchestrated genocide against Christians in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt states.
CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh restated the position at the opening ceremony of the fourth quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Association held in Jos, Plateau State.
He said, “Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have experienced unprecedented repeated, coordinated, and in many cases, clearly targeted attacks.
“These horrors have left thousands of people dead, countless widowed and orphaned, and entire villages levelled without justice or closure. Victims have not been compensated, and perpetrators continue to evade accountability. These unrelenting tragedies, killings, kidnappings, arson, destruction of churches, and the dislocation of indigenous communities have now drawn urgent attention from the international community.
“Although we are pained that Nigeria is being spotlighted for such grievous reasons, if international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring lasting peace, then we, the Christian community in Nigeria, welcome it.
“Meanwhile, our presence in Jos for NEC is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic. We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support. We are here to identify with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of unspeakable tragedy, notably persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.
“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted from their ancestral lands, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered.
“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria. As Scripture affirms: ‘And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:32, NLT).
“We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you. CAN has remained a principled, courageous, and consistent advocate for peace, justice, and national unity.
“Our calling demands that we speak, because silence in the face of injustice is not only irresponsible; it is unbiblical. While we work for the wellbeing of all Nigerians, our immediate constituency, Christians who are being persecuted, remain at the centre of our advocacy. Whenever a Christian is afflicted, we are duty-bound to respond. This responsibility we shall never abdicate.
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“Let me assure you: CAN will not relent. We will continue to demand justice. We will continue to call for accountability. We will continue to defend the vulnerable. We will continue to advocate for peace and unity in Nigeria. We acknowledge the sacrifices of our security agencies and sympathise with the families of those who have lost their lives in service to the nation. Yet, despite these efforts, the killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements remain unabated.”
He appreciated the efforts of the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, in ensuring peace and unity of the Plateau people, and for graciously hosting this final National Executive Council meeting of the year.
“We remain grateful for the warmth, hospitality, and generosity shown to us since our arrival. The enduring support of the Plateau State Government strengthens our collective resolve and bears witness to the long-standing bond between this administration and the Christian community.
“We, therefore, encourage the state government to continue in this path of service, not only to the Church, but to all the people of Plateau State so that this blessed land may fully enter into the peace, stability, and prosperity ordained for it. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Plateau will rise again,” he prayed.
The CAN President also appealed to the Federal Government and the international community to act decisively and urgently to halt the senseless destruction of lives and displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
He added: “No individual should ever be persecuted or killed on account of their faith. Federal and state governments should take immediate steps to resettle all internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes.
“Their prolonged stay in IDP camps is a painful indictment on our national conscience and a constant reminder that justice has been delayed. If not addressed, this humanitarian crisis may escalate into something far more devastating.
“However, these challenging times demand sincerity, courage, unity, and wisdom from Christian leaders across Nigeria. This is a season in which we must speak with one voice, stand shoulder to shoulder, and unite our strategies to confront an existential threat to our communities. Our strength lies in our unity. In the midst of grief, we remain a people of hope. Our God has not abandoned us. This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ.
“Hence, I urge all Christian leaders to remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous. Continue to strengthen the flock entrusted to your care. Continue to sow seeds of hope, even in the soil of sorrow. In God’s time, the dawn shall break, and His light will shine upon our land once again.”
