Christian Association of Nigeria clarifies genocide claims, stressing its advocacy is rooted in justice, peace, and truth, not division or hatred

Christian Association of Nigeria statement has clarified its stance on recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, stressing that while many Christian communities have endured violent attacks, its advocacy remains anchored in justice, peace, and truth.

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In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh responded to allegations by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian authorities of allowing the mass killing of Christians and the destruction of churches.

Cruz, speaking to Fox News Digital, alleged that over 52,000 Christians had been killed in Nigeria since 2009, with more than 20,000 churches and schools destroyed.

He also announced plans to introduce a bill the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act seeking sanctions against officials allegedly complicit in the persecution.

Okoh said the association followed the debate with “deep concern,” acknowledging that Christian communities, particularly in northern Nigeria, had suffered “severe attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship.”

“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,” Okoh stated.

“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”

He emphasised that the Christian Association of Nigeria statement was not meant to inflame division but to seek justice and equitable protection for all Nigerians.

Over the years, CAN has documented incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian bodies such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.

Despite these sustained efforts, Okoh lamented that many of the association’s cries for justice and protection have been met with “delay or denial.”

The association urged the Federal Government to act urgently to stop the killings, safeguard vulnerable communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face justice.

“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,” the statement added.

Okoh concluded by calling for national healing through truth, accountability, and unity: “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.”

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Through this Christian Association of Nigeria statement, the body reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peaceful advocacy and its belief that justice and compassion remain the only true paths to national reconciliation.