The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of misrepresenting its position following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, concerning the controversial claims of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the body clarified that the Presidency falsely attributed a position to CAN regarding the allegation of targeted killings of Christians.
While acknowledging the meeting with Bwala, CAN described the situation as “so-called” only in reference to Bwala’s account of the discussion, not as a reflection of its own stance. The association reiterated that Christians in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt continue to face targeted violence.
The meeting, held on Monday at CAN’s National Christian Centre Secretariat in Abuja, was intended to convey the association’s perspective on remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who described the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.” CAN emphasized that it presented verified data showing repeated, organized attacks against Christian communities, resulting in thousands of deaths, destruction of villages, and displacement of families.
Archbishop Okoh stressed that CAN’s position has long been consistent and remains unchanged. “Across many parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, brutal attacks. These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence persisting for years without justice or closure,” he said.
CAN strongly disputed Bwala’s statement titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’, asserting that it inaccurately suggested that Archbishop Okoh had downplayed the severity of the crisis. “That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” Okoh said, noting that the meeting was recorded and at no point did he trivialize the tragedy.
The association further clarified that certain social media reports were incorrect regarding attendees. Present at the meeting were Archbishop Okoh, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba, Apostle Prof. Samson Fatokun, Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba, Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue, Bishop Mike Akpami, Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, and Dr. Victor Ivoke.
CAN called on the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly, fairly, and transparently to halt the attacks and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Archbishop Okoh also urged media professionals and government officials to communicate responsibly, warning that careless words could deepen wounds and undermine peace.
