The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has publicly accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its stance on the persistent killings of Christians across Nigeria, asserting that what is taking place in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounts to a “Christian genocide”. CAN holds that the government’s framing of the situation undermines the scale and targeted nature of violence against Christian communities.
In a strongly worded statement, CAN’s President said the association did not, at any point, refer to the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide” as alleged in a presidential aide’s media release. CAN challenged that portrayal as “completely false and grossly unfair,” stressing that it trivialises the pain of Christians who have reportedly lost loved ones, homes and places of worship in repeated attacks.
The association recalled that during a meeting with a presidential media-policy adviser, it presented verified data showing consistent assaults on Christian communities, including mass deaths, village destruction and displacement—characteristics CAN describes as indicative of systematic violence. It emphasised that these are not isolated incidents but a continuing pattern which lacks justice and closure.
CAN called on the federal government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to end the killings and bring perpetrators to justice. It also urged media professionals and government officials to use language responsibly, warning that mischaracterising the attacks could deepen wounds and undermine peace efforts.
In concluding its statement, CAN reaffirmed that its commitment to peace and dialogue does not preclude its obligation to speak out in the face of what it describes as organised attacks. It insisted that truth must guide engagements between church, state and citizens.
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