The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded justice over the recent Christian killings in Nigeria, calling on authorities to address the growing religious violence in Nigeria.
The association also clarified its position on the claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, stressing that while many Christian communities have suffered violent attacks, its advocacy has always been guided by justice, peace, and truth.
The association’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The clarification followed recent comments by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian authorities of orchestrating a genocide against Christians and allowing the destruction of thousands of churches.
Cruz, in an interview with Fox News Digital, alleged that more than 52,000 Christians had been killed in Nigeria since 2009, with over 20,000 churches and Christian schools destroyed.
He also announced the introduction of a bill in the US Senate — the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act — seeking sanctions against officials he claimed were complicit in religious persecution.
Okoh said the association had followed recent conversations about faith and violence in Nigeria “with deep concern,” adding that many Christian communities, especially in the North, had indeed suffered “severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship.”
He, however, added that the association has always sought to draw attention to the persecution of Christians, both locally and internationally, for many years.
“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. These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.
“Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian community have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” he said.Related News
The body noted that its concern had always been to seek justice and protection, and not to inflame division or hatred.
He listed the Association’s advocacy efforts to include mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engagement with international partners, and letters to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as well as hosting global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
CAN lamented the denial of cries for justice and protection, despite its persistent calls, while urging the Federal government 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 statement added, “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.”
Okoh further stressed that such efforts must be redoubled towards equitable protection for all, while also appealing to Christian leaders nationwide to act with wisdom, unity, and faith, with the knowledge that peace was too fragile to be taken for granted.
“CAN acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges, but urges that these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice.
“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. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace,” the statement concluded.
