File photo: Mass burial in Benue state
Amid raging controversy and denials, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has accused the Presidency of lying with facts and misrepresenting its position on the on-going killings of Christians across the country.
The Christian governing body was emphatic when it said that Christian genocide was flourishing in Nigeria, citing cases in several parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed shock at the manner the Presidency twisted facts, stressing that it did not, at any point, dismiss or describe the widespread killings as a ‘so-called Christian genocide’, as claimed in a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication.
The statement clarified that the controversy followed Bwala’s visit to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, during which he sought to understand CAN’s position on remarks made by United States senator, Ted Cruz, who described the persistent killings of Christians in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide’.
“CAN made it clear that its position on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged. Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks which 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 CAN President said.
CAN said the report issued by the Presidency falsely suggested that Archbishop Okoh had downplayed the killings by describing them as a ‘so-called Christian genocide’.
“That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair. 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,” Archbishop Okoh said.
CAN explained that during the meeting, Bishop Mike Akpami, its Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
Archbishop Okoh said: “We call on the federal government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice.
“We also urge media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”
Those present at the meeting included Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President; Rev. Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Emmanuel Nicodemus Ozumba, Director of Education, Women and Youth; and Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal and Public Affairs, among others.
