By Faith Chondol
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted reports suggesting that its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, downplayed the ongoing killings of Christians across the country, describing such claims as “false and grossly unfair.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, CAN clarified the circumstances surrounding the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the association’s national secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, October 20.
According to the association, Barrister Bwala’s visit was to seek CAN’s stance on the recent remarks by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who had described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”
During the meeting, CAN maintained that its position on the matter remains unchanged — that Christian communities, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions, have suffered “repeated, organised, and brutal attacks” leading to thousands of deaths, destruction of villages, and mass displacement.
However, the association expressed shock over a statement allegedly issued by Bwala titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.” The report claimed Archbishop Okoh described the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide.”
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair,” CAN said. “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.”
The statement further revealed that during the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa detailing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
Present at the meeting were Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, Dean Rev. Ozumba Emmanuel Nicodemus, Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Bishop Mike Akpami, Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, and Dr. Victor Ivoke.
CAN clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some media reports, were not present at the meeting.
The association called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently halt the killings and ensure justice for victims. It also urged media practitioners and government officials to communicate with “truth, empathy, and responsibility” to avoid worsening national tensions.
“Careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace,” CAN warned.
The statement was signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
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