The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urgently appealed to the federal government to implement transparent and fair measures aimed at stopping the ongoing violent assaults on Christian communities and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
This appeal was articulated in a statement released on Wednesday by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the National President of CAN, in light of the rising insecurity and growing national dialogue surrounding faith-related violence.
Archbishop Okoh expressed the association’s grave concern over recent developments, underscoring the importance of addressing the issue with honesty, clarity, and empathy during this critical period.
“It is undeniable that numerous Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, have endured brutal attacks, resulting in loss of lives and the destruction of their places of worship,” Okoh affirmed.
He highlighted these distressing events as stark reminders of the urgent responsibility of government and security forces to protect all citizens without discrimination.
Okoh also recounted CAN’s persistent efforts over several years to raise global awareness about the persecution faced by Christians. These efforts include creating systems to record incidents of religiously motivated violence, collaborating with international organizations, and submitting appeals to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Despite these initiatives, he voiced deep disappointment over the lack of substantial action from the authorities.
“Our appeals for justice and protection are frequently met with procrastination or outright dismissal,” he lamented.
He reiterated CAN’s demand for immediate, transparent, and impartial intervention by government and security agencies to halt the killings, protect vulnerable Christian populations from forced displacement, and ensure that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Okoh emphasized the profound human suffering behind the statistics, reminding that the anguish experienced by families shattered by violence must never be reduced to mere numbers.
While recognizing the government’s ongoing efforts to address national security issues, CAN called for these initiatives to be intensified and applied equitably, with swift and open justice for perpetrators.
“True national healing will not emerge from denial or finger-pointing but from the bravery to confront our shared shortcomings, mourn collectively, and rebuild trust among our communities. Only through such courage can Nigeria overcome its wounds and move toward lasting peace,” he concluded.
