The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reaffirmed its longstanding position that Christians across the country are victims of an “ongoing genocide,” insisting that years of killings, persecution, and mass displacement can no longer be minimised or dismissed.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, restated this stance on Tuesday at the Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting of the association held in Jos, Plateau State.

“Our presence in Jos today is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic,” Okoh said. “We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support. We are here to stand with our brothers and sisters across Plateau State and Northern Nigeria who have endured years of unspeakable tragedy—persecution, displacement, devastation, and unrelenting insecurity.”

Okoh emphasised that CAN remains unwavering in its view that the scale of attacks amounts to genocide, warning that attempts to downplay the crisis only perpetuate injustice.

“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted from their ancestral lands, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered,” he said. “CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.”

CAN Highlights Plight of Displaced Christian Communities

Referencing a recent visit to Bokkos, Okoh said he met with displaced victims, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and offered relief materials.

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

CAN has consistently raised concerns about persistent attacks on Christian communities across the country, particularly in the North, where many have suffered widespread killings, mass displacement, and the destruction of places of worship. The association has repeatedly demanded urgent and transparent intervention from the government and security agencies.

International Concern and Government Response

The renewed declaration by CAN comes amid growing international attention, including concerns expressed by U.S. senators, who say Nigerian Christians are being targeted for violence.

This follows the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to religious freedom violations.

Reacting to the designation, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga urged the United States to instead support Nigeria with military assistance to combat terrorism.

“Dear Secretary Rubio, there is no ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians in Nigeria,” Onanuga wrote. “This is a gross exaggeration. What we have are sporadic attacks by bandits and terrorists, and these attacks are religiously insensitive. Christians, Muslims, churches, and mosques are attacked randomly.”

He insisted Nigeria does not deserve the label of a country of particular concern, adding that the government requires military support—not international censure.

The Federal Government has similarly rejected comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria.