Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) appeals to the government to end christian genocide

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday, reiterated that Christians in Nigeria are victims of genocide, citing years of persecution, insecurity, and attacks on communities across the country.

The statement comes as suspected Boko Haram insurgents killed eight people, including four civilians and four local security personnel, in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council Meeting of the Association in Jos, Plateau State, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, decried what he called years of “persecution, displacement, devastation” of Christians.

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

He described the attacks on Christians as a harsh reality, emphasizing that lives have been “brutally cut short,” communities uprooted, families torn apart, and churches destroyed.

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

The CAN president highlighted the plight of displaced Christians, recounting a visit to Bokkos where he met with affected individuals, listened to their stories, prayed with them, and provided relief.

He assured them, “You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”

Okoh called on the Federal Government and the international community to take decisive action to halt the destruction of lives and displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated areas across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.

He also appealed for the resettlement of internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes, warning that prolonged stays in camps could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who declared the NEC meeting open, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang described the meeting as “symbolic” and praised CAN’s support in promoting unity and moral guidance.

Meanwhile, amid CAN’s advocacy, violence continued in Borno State.

Sources report that suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a military base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area on Monday night around 10 p.m.

The insurgents reportedly killed four civilians—construction workers near the base—and four local security personnel, described as repentant former insurgents now serving in security roles.

Local sources said the attackers suffered casualties following a heavy gun duel with the military.

The Bama Local Government Information Officer, Babagana Abatcha, described the incident as horrific but could not immediately confirm casualties.

Efforts to contact the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sanni, were unsuccessful.

Mayenti borders Darajamal, a community recently attacked where 58 civilians and five soldiers were killed.

It could also be recalled that Boko Haram had recently killed the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lt. Col. Aliyu Paiko, along with several soldiers during an attack in Kashimri, Bama Local Government Area.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said troops neutralised several terrorists while suffering casualties themselves.

Separately, the Evangelical Church Winning All has condemned attacks on its members, including assaults on Ishaya Ayuba and Blessing Jimlo, who survived machete, stick, and firearm attacks.

The church called on authorities to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.

Borno State Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack and promised full details would be released soon.

Amid rising insecurity, the European Union and Search for Common Ground on Tuesday launched “The Hustle Reality Show (Buge Buge)” a youth-focused initiative aimed at addressing violence and promoting peace.

Funded by the EU, the programme will run for 24 months, across Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states, equipping young people with entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the initiative aligns with the EU Youth Action Plan, emphasising youth empowerment, engagement, and social cohesion. Francis Diakanda, West Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, highlighted that the project targets structural drivers of violence, including unemployment, social exclusion, and limited opportunities.

“The project will bring together young entrepreneurs to compete in a reality-style programme featuring business challenges, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities. This show is more than entertainment; it is a peacebuilding tool designed to inspire millions of viewers and demonstrate that collaboration, tolerance, and innovation can bridge divides and reduce violence,” Diakanda said.

The North-West has faced escalating insecurity over the past decade due to banditry, farmer–herder clashes, kidnappings, and communal tensions. The initiative aims to equip young people with skills while promoting tolerance, collaboration, and peaceful coexistence.