The Christian Association of Nigeria has forcefully reiterated its position that a systematic campaign of violence against Christians amounts to a genocide within the country.
CAN’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this unequivocally on Tuesday during the opening of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting in Jos, Plateau State.
Archbishop Okoh, addressing delegates, framed the choice of Jos for the meeting as a deliberate act of solidarity with communities in the region that have suffered immensely.
“Our presence in Jos today is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic,” Okoh said. “We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support. We are here to identify with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of unspeakable tragedy—persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.”
He painted a grim picture of the realities on the ground, citing widespread destruction and loss of life.
“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,” the CAN leader stated.
He concluded this point with a stark and unambiguous declaration, leaving no room for doubt about the association’s official stance. “CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” he said.
The Christian body used the platform to call for urgent action from both the Nigerian government and the international community. It demanded justice, accountability, and decisive measures to halt the destruction of lives and the displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated communities across the North and the Middle Belt.
CAN also issued a warning about the growing humanitarian crisis stemming from prolonged internal displacement, appealing to governments to facilitate the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, whose state has been a hotspot of such violence, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, the governor described the NEC meeting as “symbolic” for a state once renowned as the “Home of Peace and Tourism.”
Mutfwang expressed his government’s dedication to “healing divisions, securing rural areas, resettling displaced persons, and restoring dignity and livelihood to affected families.”
He also acknowledged the role of the Christian body, stating, “I want to appreciate CAN, both at the national and state levels, for your unwavering support, prayers, and partnership. Your counsel and collaboration continue to guide our steps as we build a safer, stronger, and more united Plateau.”
In a closing remark that underscored the current national mood, the governor urged CAN leaders to consider how the Church can help steer the country, emphasising, “Nigeria needs the Church now more than ever.”
