By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised alarm over renewed attacks on Christian communities across the country, lamenting the increasing loss of lives and destruction of property.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called on security agencies to act urgently to halt the killings and protect all citizens regardless of their region or religion.
“These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen,” Okoh said, warning that continued inaction would deepen insecurity and social division.
The statement follows recent comments by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who accused Nigerian government officials of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists.” Cruz alleged that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted and executed for their faith, and forced to submit to sharia and blasphemy laws in parts of the country.
Responding to the U.S. lawmaker’s claims, CAN expressed concern that repeated appeals for justice and protection had been met with delay or denial. “Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial,” the association said.
CAN renewed its call on the government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings and safeguard vulnerable communities from displacement. “The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” it added.
Highlighting its ongoing advocacy efforts, CAN said it has documented incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged international partners, and petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. It also noted collaboration with global Christian bodies such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement to draw attention to the plight of persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
Archbishop Okoh reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to peace, justice, and national unity, urging the federal government to demonstrate equal concern for all communities affected by violence.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” CAN warned, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved through fairness, protection, and accountability for all Nigerians.
