The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed widespread claims suggesting that ongoing terrorist attacks across parts of the country amount to a coordinated genocide against Christians, describing such assertions as misleading and unsubstantiated.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAN leadership clarified that while Christians have undeniably been victims of violence in several regions, the pattern of attacks in recent years does not exclusively target any single faith group.
“We must be careful not to misrepresent the complex nature of insecurity in Nigeria,” the statement read. “The violence and killings, though deeply painful, cut across ethnic and religious lines. Both Christians and Muslims have suffered devastating losses.”
CAN noted that extremist violence, banditry, and kidnappings have affected communities indiscriminately, particularly in states like Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Niger. The body urged the public and the media to avoid framing the crisis in purely religious terms, warning that such narratives could further inflame divisions.
“Our position is clear: there is no credible evidence of a systematic plan to wipe out Christians in Nigeria,” CAN emphasized. “What we face is a national security failure and the unchecked operations of terror groups driven by greed, ideology, and lawlessness — not religion.”
The association, however, called on the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to protect all citizens, strengthen intelligence operations, and ensure justice for victims of violent attacks regardless of their faith or background.
CAN also urged faith leaders to promote unity and peace amid rising tension, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division.
“We appeal to religious leaders to speak responsibly and avoid narratives that could polarize our society further,” the statement concluded.