From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has affirmed 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.
Sadly, CAN said these realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region, religion, or political differences.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, said the affirmation became necessary following deep concern about the recent conversations surrounding faith, violence, and the true cost of insecurity across the country targeted at Christian communities.
He said: “In moments such as this, when passions rise and interpretations differ, it becomes necessary to speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion. Over the years, CAN and the wider Christian communities have worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
“The Association has established mechanisms for recording incidences of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement. These sustained efforts demonstrate CAN’s consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial. We, therefore, renew our call on government and security agencies to take 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. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.”
CAN President, however, acknowledged the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges but suggested that the efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all.
“It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are swiftly and transparently brought to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.”
He insisted that Nigeria’s healing would not come from denial or blame but from courage to face the collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within the communities. “Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace,” he said.
