No Genocide in Nigeria,” Declares CAN Following Tinubu’s Meeting with Christian Leaders in Plateau

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed recent claims of a nigeria-government-denies-religious-genocide-claims/” title=”FG Denounces Allegations of Religious Genocide in …: Setting the Record Straight”>targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing such reports as exaggerated and driven by external agendas.
The debate intensified following remarks by American comedian Bill Maher, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria are being deliberately targeted and killed.
Maher asserted that Islamist militants have destroyed churches and are actively working to eliminate the Christian population nationwide.
Similarly, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian authorities of neglecting and even enabling the mass killings of Christians by Islamist jihadist groups.
Cruz further claimed that Christians face persecution under stringent Sharia and blasphemy laws.
In response, Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the U.S. Senate, aiming to sanction officials implicated in these abuses.
Additionally, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore from West Virginia’s 2nd District petitioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and to suspend arms sales until the Nigerian government demonstrates genuine protection for Christians.
Speaking to The Guardian Nigeria, Abimbola Ayuba, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, acknowledged the violence affecting parts of Nigeria but rejected the notion that Christians are the sole victims.
“The facts on the ground show that killings in Nigeria do not follow a specific pattern.
“In states with predominantly Christian populations like Benue, it may seem that Christians are the main targets.
“However, this insurgency has also claimed the lives of many Muslims, including attacks during early morning prayers at mosques, kidnappings, and other atrocities,” Ayuba explained.
He noted that some groups exploit the situation to attract international attention.
“Certain factions capitalize on our challenges because they understand the benefits of drawing foreign interest.
“While foreign entities have the right to inquire about our affairs, we must also present an accurate picture.
“It is troubling that this insurgency persists, but the violence is indiscriminate-when gunmen open fire in public spaces, they do not differentiate between Christians, Muslims, or even children,” Ayuba added.
He stressed the importance of collective action to overcome the insurgency and cautioned against seeking sympathy from abroad.
“Our focus should be on a united societal response to end this violence and to challenge divisive mindsets.
“Why appeal to America when we have our own Senate where petitions can be filed?
“If Nigeria is labeled a country of particular concern, it will negatively impact all citizens.
“Those who seek foreign sympathy have their reasons, but it is crucial we address these issues internally,” Ayuba concluded.
Just days before CAN’s response, President Bola Tinubu met with northern Christian leaders at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, Plateau State, reaffirming his dedication to national unity and religious equity.
During the gathering, Tinubu assured the clergy that his government is committed to safeguarding all Nigerians regardless of their faith, emphasizing that shared values outweigh differences.
He stated, “My mission is to unite this nation and foster its prosperity. In my family, we have a strong Muslim heritage, and I am married to a Christian pastor, whom I have never pressured to change her faith.”
The President called on Christian leaders to back his administration’s peace initiatives, highlighting that insecurity affects everyone and that efforts are underway to combat banditry, terrorism, and communal violence.
This meeting with Christian representatives occurred amid escalating international scrutiny and criticism regarding alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria-claims that CAN now refutes as inaccurate and unrepresentative of the true situation.