The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position on the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, asserting that what is happening in parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a “Christian genocide.”
The controversy erupted after the office of Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media & Policy Communication, reportedly described CAN’s remarks as referring to a “so‑called Christian genocide.” CAN said that attribution was false and unfair.
According to a statement signed by Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, “Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed and families displaced.”
“These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure.”
Meanwhile, Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, appealed to the global community not to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
He warned that such a designation could harm ongoing inter‑faith dialogue and peace efforts.
CAN also urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency, between faiths and regions, to halt the violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
The association further called on media professionals and government officials to speak responsibly, emphasizing that “careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”
