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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again declared that Christian genocide is ongoing in Nigeria, calling on the federal government and the international community to act decisively to end the relentless killings and displacement of believers, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Jos, Plateau State capital.
Okoh added that Jos is a city whose very soil bears the memory of deep anguish and resilient hope, “a land that has wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and yet continues to rise with a steadfast faith that defies the darkness around it.”
The Archbishop extended gratitude to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, “for hosting the meeting, encouraging him to continue in his path of service so that by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Plateau will rise again.
Our presence in Jos is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic. We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support.
“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted from their ancestral lands, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered.
“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Okoh stated.
He also recounted a recent visit to displaced persons in Bokkos, noting, “The scars we saw were deep; yet, the faith we encountered was stronger still. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”
The CAN President defended the association’s role as a vocal advocate, stating that their calling demands that they speak, adding that silence in the face of injustice is not only irresponsible but also unbiblical.
He noted that this crisis has now drawn urgent attention from the international community.
While expressing pain over the negative spotlight, Okoh declared that “if international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring lasting peace, then we, the Christian community in Nigeria, welcome it.”
He assured that CAN will not relent but continue to demand justice. “We will continue to call for accountability. We will continue to defend the vulnerable. We will continue to advocate for peace and unity in Nigeria.”
The CAN President acknowledged the sacrifices of the security agencies but noted that despite these efforts, the killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements remain unabated.
“We renew our appeal to the federal government of Nigeria, and to the international community, to act decisively and urgently to halt the senseless destruction of lives and displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt,” he said.
He stated that no individual should be persecuted or killed for their faith and called on governments to take immediate steps to resettle all internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes.
Okoh described the IDPs’ plight as “a painful indictment on our national conscience,” warning that “if not addressed, this humanitarian crisis may escalate into something far more devastating. God forbid.”
The Archbishop further urged Christian leaders to unite, stating that these challenging times “demand sincerity, courage, unity, and wisdom.”
“This is a season in which we must speak with one voice, stand shoulder to shoulder, and unite our strategies to confront an existential threat to our communities. Our strength lies in our unity.
“Yet, even in the midst of grief, we remain a people of hope. Our God has not abandoned us. This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ. I urge all leaders to remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous.
“Continue to strengthen the flock entrusted to your care. Continue to sow seeds of hope, even in the soil of sorrow. In God’s time, the dawn shall break, and His light will shine upon our land once again,” he said.
