The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, pictured above, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive and equitable action to end the persistent killings and attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria, particularly in the North.
The association stressed that the continued loss of life must not be reduced to mere statistics.
In a statement, CAN expressed concern over the public discourse on faith, violence, and insecurity, insisting that the situation must be addressed truthfully and with compassion.
CAN highlighted the severe attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship suffered by many Christian communities. Archbishop Okoh affirmed, “CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship. These painful realities serve as reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region or creed.”
The association stated that its own efforts to document incidents of religiously motivated violence have included engaging international partners and writing to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts against insecurity, CAN noted that the response to religiously targeted violence has often been slow or inadequate.
CAN renewed its call for urgent, transparent, and equitable action to stop the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The body warned, “The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.”
CAN urged Christian leaders to maintain restraint and unity, while also calling on authorities to apply justice fairly and ensure equal protection for all Nigerians.
Archbishop Okoh stated that while CAN acknowledges the efforts of security agencies in addressing the nation’s security challenges, these efforts must be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. He reiterated the imperative for perpetrators to be brought swiftly and transparently to justice.
The umbrella Christian body concluded by noting that Nigeria’s recovery from violence and division depends on honesty and collective action, adding that: “Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage; the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities.” CAN restated its position that all Nigerians, regardless of faith, deserve equal protection and justice under the law.
