The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified reports surrounding the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to its national secretariat in Abuja, insisting that it never downplayed the widespread attacks on Christians across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described as “false and grossly unfair” reports suggesting that it dismissed the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria as a “so-called Christian genocide.”
The clarification followed a visit by Barrister Bwala to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, October 20, 2025. According to CAN, the meeting was aimed at understanding its position on remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who had described the persistent attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”
Bwala reportedly told the CAN leadership that both Christians and Muslims had been victims of insecurity in Nigeria. He was quoted as saying that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited the crisis and was taking steps to address it.
However, CAN expressed dismay that shortly after the meeting, a statement allegedly issued by Bwala and titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership” misrepresented the outcome of the engagement. The association said the statement wrongly implied that Archbishop Okoh had rejected the notion of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” the statement read. “The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. Referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.”
Reiterating its long-held position, CAN stated that Christian communities in parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt have endured “repeated, organised, and brutal attacks” that have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and families displaced. “These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure,” the association maintained.
During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, reportedly presented verified data from the independent research platform www.orfa.africa, which documented consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several African regions, including Nigeria.
The association further clarified that those present at the meeting included Archbishop Daniel Okoh; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Ozumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, Director of Education, Women & Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal & Public Affairs; Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research & Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement continued, “Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary, and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.”
CAN urged the Federal Government and security agencies to demonstrate fairness, urgency, and transparency in addressing the ongoing violence. It also called on the media and public officials to communicate responsibly, warning that “careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”
“Justice, truth, and compassion must guide every national conversation,” Archbishop Okoh stressed. “We remain prayerful and hopeful that Nigeria will overcome its challenges when leaders and citizens alike uphold honesty and fairness in their dealings.”
