October 21, (THEWILL) — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has berated the Presidency for allegedly trivialising the killings of Christians across the country, describing the ongoing attacks as a “Christian genocide” that must no longer be denied or downplayed.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN accused the Presidency of twisting facts and making light of the pain of victims of persistent violence in parts of the North and Middle Belt.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria completely rejects the description of the mass killings of Christians in this country as a ‘so-called genocide.’ Such a statement is insensitive, inaccurate and deeply hurtful to thousands of families who continue to bury their dead,” Okoh said.
The association was reacting to comments attributed to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, who reportedly claimed that CAN had described the alleged killings as exaggerated and not a genocide.
“Nowhere in our discussions did I, or any member of the CAN leadership, describe the killings of Christians as a ‘so-called genocide.’ That phrase did not come from us. It was introduced to distort our position and downplay the tragedy,” Okoh stated.
He explained that during Bwala’s recent visit to the CAN National Secretariat in Abuja, the association presented verifiable data showing evidence of systematic and targeted attacks on Christian communities.
“From Plateau to Benue, from Southern Kaduna to Taraba and Adamawa, villages have been invaded, churches burned and entire communities displaced. These are not random crimes; they follow a clear and consistent pattern of religiously motivated violence,” he added.
Okoh said CAN’s findings were backed by reports from international organisations and lawmakers who have repeatedly raised concerns over the scale of anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria.
“Even international observers have acknowledged the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. To deny this reality is to insult the memory of the victims and embolden the perpetrators,” he warned.
He noted that CAN’s Director of Research and Advocacy, Bishop Mike Akpami, had also presented verified data during the meeting, contradicting the Presidency’s account of the discussion.
“The data we shared were not opinions; they were credible reports from humanitarian and security agencies. We spoke truth to power and expected that truth to be conveyed honestly,” Okoh said.
CAN urged the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity in tackling the crisis, warning that continued denial would only deepen insecurity and erode public trust.
“We expect the Presidency to lead with truth and compassion, not propaganda. The killings must stop, justice must prevail, and every Nigerian—Christian or Muslim—deserves equal protection under the law,” Okoh concluded.
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