The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has tackled the Federal Government on its attempt to dismiss the allegations on targeted attacks on Christian communities across the country.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN warned that the relentless loss of life should not be reduced to statistics, emphasizing the pain of affected families.
The association expressed deep concern over the ongoing insecurity, stressing the need to address the situation with truthfulness and compassion.
It also urged the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to halt the escalating violence and attacks targeting Christian communities across the country, particularly in the North.
CAN affirmed that many Christian communities have suffered severe attacks, leading to 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,” Archbishop Okoh stated.
While acknowledging efforts by government and security agencies to tackle insecurity, CAN criticized the response to cases involving religiously targeted violence, stating it has often been slow or inadequate.
The body renewed its call for urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial… The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” the statement read.
CAN disclosed that it has been actively documenting incidents of religiously motivated violence and engaging international partners to highlight the situation. These efforts include writing to the International Criminal Court in The Hague and hosting global Christian organizations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.
The association restated its foundational position that all Nigerians, regardless of faith, deserve equal protection and justice under the law, adding that the nation’s recovery from violence hinges on “honesty and collective action.”
