The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has once again declared that Christians in the country are facing genocide, calling for immediate intervention from the Federal Government and the international community to safeguard vulnerable communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
Archbishop Okoh made this known on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of CAN’s fourth quarterly National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Crispan Hotel in Jos, Plateau State. The gathering brought together Christian leaders from across the country and featured the attendance of Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Speaking with deep conviction, Okoh insisted that the Christian population would not remain silent in the face of “repeated, coordinated, and clearly targeted attacks” on their communities. He described the pattern of violence as unmistakably genocidal, noting that the devastation suffered cannot be ignored or underestimated.
“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 unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
The CAN President expressed distress over the large number of victims whose families have been left in turmoil. He lamented that thousands have been killed, countless widowed and orphaned, and entire communities wiped out without any form of justice or compensation. He added that attackers continue to operate freely while affected communities suffer in silence.
Okoh acknowledged that although it is painful for Nigeria to come under negative global scrutiny, international attention may finally compel decisive 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, the Christian community in Nigeria, welcome it,” he stated.
He offered further reassurance to victims of the violence. “We declare with one united voice: You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”
While recognizing the sacrifices of security personnel, Okoh noted that killings, kidnappings, and displacements continue without meaningful improvement. He stressed the urgent need for displaced persons to be returned to their ancestral homes, describing their prolonged stay in camps as a troubling reflection of the nation’s inability to protect its citizens.
“No individual should ever be persecuted or killed on account of their faith,” he added. “We renew our appeal to the Federal Government and to the international community to act decisively to halt the senseless destruction of lives.”
Okoh called on Christian leaders to maintain unity, encouraging them to remain hopeful despite the painful reality facing many believers. “Even in the midst of grief, we remain a people of hope. This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ.”
He expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang for supporting the hosting of the meeting and praised the Plateau State Government for its efforts in strengthening the Christian community. “By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Plateau will rise again,” he said.
During the NEC meeting, CAN is expected to focus on strategies to deepen unity among Christians and promote peace and justice across the country.
In a related development, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, recently redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to persistent attacks on Christian communities. On October 31, 2025, Trump issued the renewed designation, citing severe violations of religious freedom.
He argued that Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, claiming that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamic groups. The US President warned that the United States may take significant action—including cutting off all aid or even launching military intervention—should the Nigerian government fail to end the killings.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now-disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians,” Trump said on November 1, 2025.
What You Should Know
Archbishop Okoh’s strong remarks reflect growing frustration within the Christian community over ongoing attacks, insecurity, and lack of accountability.
His statement comes at a time when international pressure—particularly from the United States—is intensifying, further complicating Nigeria’s diplomatic and security landscape.
The CAN leadership continues to insist that only urgent and decisive intervention can halt the violence and restore peace to the affected regions.
