The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has denied reports claiming it dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, reaffirming instead that the pattern of attacks on Christian communities across the country amounts to an organised and ongoing extermination campaign.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the association clarified events surrounding the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN National Secretariat at the Christian Centre, Abuja, on October 20.
According to CAN, Bwala’s visit was intended to understand the association’s stance on recent comments by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who described the wave of killings targeting Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.” During the meeting, Bwala reportedly acknowledged that insecurity in the country had affected both Christians and Muslims, while assuring that the Tinubu administration was committed to tackling the crisis it inherited.
However, CAN expressed dismay over a press release allegedly issued by Bwala titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.” The association said the report falsely suggested that its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, had dismissed the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide.”
“The portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” CAN stated. “At no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.”
The association reiterated its longstanding position that Christian communities particularly in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt have faced coordinated, repeated assaults that have resulted in thousands of deaths, the destruction of villages, and widespread displacement. CAN maintained that these attacks are part of a systemic pattern of violence that continues largely unpunished.
During the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, presented verified data highlighting consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across Africa, naming Nigeria among the most affected nations.
The statement also listed attendees at the meeting, including Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun (General Secretary), Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba (Director of Education, Women & Youth), Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq.) (Director of Legal & Public Affairs), Bishop Mike Akpami (Director of Planning, Research & Strategy), Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (Director of National Issues & Social Welfare), Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly (Secretary, North Central Zone), and Dr. Victor Ivoke (Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President).
It clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams (Assistant General Secretary) and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.
