After two weeks of silence that drew criticism from several quarters, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday declared that Christian communities in Nigeria are facing existential threats, calling on the government to act fast to stop the genocide.
The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the remarks in a speech delivered at the opening session of the association’s fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Jos, Plateau state.
Okoh condemned the continued attacks on Christian communities in the North and the Middle Belt.
He said said silence in the face of such violence was “irresponsible” and “unbiblical,” insisting that the scale and consistency of the attacks pointed to targeted persecution.
“Our presence in Jos today is intentional and deeply symbolic,” he said.
“We are here to stand with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.”
The CAN president described the destruction of communities, killings, and the razing of churches as evidence of “Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
He recalled leading a delegation to Bokkos to meet displaced families, noting that “the scars we saw were deep, yet the faith we encountered was stronger.”
Okoh reiterated that CAN’s mandate required it to speak out forcefully.
“While we work for the well-being of all Nigerians, Christians who are being persecuted remain at the centre of our advocacy,” he said.
Whenever a Christian is afflicted, we are duty-bound to respond.”
According to the CAN president association, attacks on Christian communities in recent years have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and survivors without justice or compensation. CAN said the lack of accountability has worsened the crisis and emboldened attackers.
“The increasing international attention on the violence, including comments by President Trumpshould not be dismissed,” Okoh said.
Although Nigeria was being spotlighted for “grievous reasons,” he added that global intervention might be necessary to spur decisive governmental action.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently halt ongoing killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements, and insisted that internally displaced persons be resettled in their ancestral homes.
“Their prolonged stay in IDP camps, is a painful indictment on our national conscience.
“No individual should ever be persecuted or killed on account of their faith,” he said. “If the humanitarian crisis is not addressed, it may escalate into something far more devastating.”
Despite the grim situation, Okoh urged Christian leaders to remain united and steadfast.
“Even in the midst of grief, we remain a people of hope. “This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ.”
