The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reiterated that Christian genocide is ongoing in the country, calling on both the federal government and the international community to take urgent action to halt the killings and displacement of believers, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the declaration on Tuesday during the opening of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Jos, Plateau State.
Okoh described Jos as a city “whose very soil bears the memory of deep anguish and resilient hope, a land that has wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and yet continues to rise with a steadfast faith that defies the darkness around it.” He thanked Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for hosting the meeting and encouraged him to continue his service, saying, “By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Plateau will rise again. Our presence in Jos is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic. We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support.”
Highlighting the magnitude of the crisis, Okoh stated, “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.”
Recalling a recent visit to displaced persons in Bokkos, Okoh said, “The scars we saw were deep; yet, the faith we encountered was stronger still. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.” He defended CAN’s role as a vocal advocate, noting that silence in the face of injustice is both irresponsible and unbiblical.
The Archbishop emphasized that the crisis has attracted international attention and welcomed this scrutiny if it could spur decisive governmental action. “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,” he said.
Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the defense of the vulnerable. He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies but stressed that killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements continue unabated. “We renew our appeal to the federal government of Nigeria, and to 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 said.
He called on governments to resettle all internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes, describing the IDPs’ plight as “a painful indictment on our national conscience,” and warned that if unaddressed, the crisis could escalate further.
Okoh also urged Christian leaders to unite, stressing that these times “demand sincerity, courage, unity, and wisdom.” He concluded: “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. Yet, even 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. I urge all 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.”
