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ABUJA – The President of the Christian As­sociation of Nigeria (CAN), Arch­bishop Daniel Okoh, has declared that Christian communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt are facing what he described as a “Christian genocide,” insisting that the association will “not relent” in demanding justice, accountability and protection for persecuted believ­ers.

Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the Fourth Quarterly National Execu­tive Council (NEC) meeting of CAN, held in Jos, Plateau State capital, Okoh said the violence, mass displace­ment, and repeated attacks on Christian communities have reached alarming levels, drawing increasing attention from the interna­tional community.

“You are not forgotten, you are not abandoned”, Okoh assures Plateau, Northern Christians.

The CAN president, who led a delegation earlier this year to visit displaced Christians in Bokkos, re­called heartbreaking sto­ries of killings, arson, kid­nappings, razed churches and entire communities uprooted from their ances­tral lands.

“CAN has spoken clear­ly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our posi­tion that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” he stated.

“We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not aban­doned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”

Okoh described the sit­uation as an existential threat to Christian com­munities, insisting that silence is not an option.

“Our calling demands that we speak because si­lence in the face of injus­tice is not only irrespon­sible; it is unbiblical,” he said.

While noting that inter­national bodies have begun to spotlight the crisis, Okoh said the Christian commu­nity welcomes any form of global attention that can compel meaningful action.

“Although we are pained that Nigeria is being spot­lighted for such grievous reasons, if international attention is what is re­quired to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring last­ing peace, then we welcome it,” he said.

The CAN president urged the Federal Govern­ment and security agencies to intensify efforts to halt the killings, kidnappings and mass displacement of indigenous populations, especially in largely Chris­tian communities across Northern Nigeria.

He also emphasised that all internally displaced persons (IDPs) must be re­turned home.

“Their prolonged stay in IDP camps is a painful indictment on our nation­al conscience. If not ad­dressed, this humanitari­an crisis may escalate into something far more devas­tating. God forbid!” Okoh warned.

Archbishop Okoh praised the Plateau State government for hosting the meeting and for what he called its longstanding support for the Christian community.

Addressing Governor Caleb Muftwang, he said: “We encourage His Excel­lency to continue in this path of service… so that this blessed land may fully enter into the peace, sta­bility, and prosperity or­dained for it. Plateau will rise again.”

Okoh said the meeting’s choice of Jos was deeply symbolic, describing the city as one that has “wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and continues to rise with resilient hope.”

He said CAN came to Plateau as “ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support.”

Despite the “deep scars” caused by years of attacks, the CAN president urged Christians across Nigeria to remain steadfast.

“This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ,” he declared.

“Continue to sow seeds of hope, even in the soil of sorrow. In God’s time, the dawn shall break.”

He prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide the NEC meeting’s deliberations to strengthen fellowship, deepen unity and promote justice and peace across the nation.