CAN Renews Call for National, Global Intervention Over Unrelenting Attacks on Christians

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again raised the alarm over what it describes as a systematic and sustained campaign of genocide against Christian communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, insisting that mounting evidence of targeted killings, mass displacement and destruction of settlements can no longer be ignored.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, issued the warning on Tuesday during the opening of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Jos, Plateau State. The gathering, hosted by the Plateau State Government, brought together senior church leaders from across the country.

Reaffirming the association’s long-held position, Okoh said CAN “stands unwaveringly” in its belief that Christians are facing a genocide in Nigeria. He argued that years of coordinated attacks, unpunished massacres and the forceful displacement of indigenous Christian communities amount to “intentional extermination.”

“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality,” he said. “Lives have been brutally cut short, communities uprooted from ancestral lands, families shattered, churches burnt down and hopes destroyed. CAN has spoken clearly and courageously, and we stand by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.”

Okoh referenced his recent visit to Bokkos, where thousands remain displaced after repeated attacks. The scale of human suffering, he said, was overwhelming — even as survivors continue to demonstrate resilience and faith.

“We declare with one united voice: you are not forgotten. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you,” he said.

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The CAN President lamented that many communities have been wiped out without justice, with perpetrators still walking free while victims remain uncompensated. The persistent cycle of killings and kidnappings, he added, reflects deep systemic failures demanding urgent national reflection.

He also noted that international bodies are increasingly drawing attention to Nigeria’s prolonged religious violence — a development he described as necessary, despite being painful.

“If international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action, then the Christian community in Nigeria welcomes it,” he said.

Okoh urged the federal government to halt the “senseless destruction of lives,” restore security and ensure justice for affected communities. He warned that the continued confinement of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps poses a growing humanitarian emergency.

“No individual should ever be persecuted or killed because of their faith,” he said. “This humanitarian crisis must be addressed decisively. CAN will not relent — we will keep demanding justice, calling for accountability, defending the vulnerable and advocating for peace and unity.”

Representing Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo said the meeting was particularly significant for a state that has experienced some of Nigeria’s worst episodes of ethno-religious violence. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing rural communities, restoring peace and resettling displaced persons.

The governor praised CAN for its consistent advocacy and moral leadership, describing the church as a crucial partner in rebuilding trust and healing affected communities.

“Nigeria needs the church now more than ever,” he said, expressing optimism that the NEC discussions would strengthen national unity and empower religious leaders to continue championing justice, reconciliation and moral renewal.