The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified its position following reports surrounding a meeting between its leadership and Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said it was necessary to correct misleading media reports about the visit.
According to the statement, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) wishes to correct recent media reports following the visit of Barrister Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, 20 October 2025.”
CAN explained that during the visit, Barrister Bwala sought to understand CAN’s position regarding the global reactions to remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide.’ He noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from insecurity, adding that the current administration inherited the problem and is working to address it.
Reaffirming its stance, CAN said, “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 body expressed shock over a press statement reportedly issued by Bwala after the meeting, which it said misrepresented CAN’s position. “However, CAN was alarmed to see a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.’ The report falsely suggested that the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing killings by describing them as a ‘so-called Christian genocide.’”
CAN said the portrayal was “completely false and grossly unfair,” stressing that 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.”
The statement added that “During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.”
It listed attendees at the meeting to clarify reports, noting that, “For the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.”
CAN further urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act decisively to end the attacks and bring justice to victims.
“CAN calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice. It also urges media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility, as careless words can deepen wounds and undermine peace.”
