CAN raises alarm over faith-based attacks, seeks end to insecurity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the recurring attacks on Christian communities across the country and called on the government to take urgent action to stop the killings.

The association said insecurity continues to take a heavy toll on Christian families, especially in northern Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said it was concerned about the ongoing conversations around faith, violence, and the cost of insecurity. It noted that while emotions run high and interpretations differ, there is a need to speak clearly and truthfully about the situation.

Over the years, CAN said it has drawn attention to the persecution of Christians both within and outside Nigeria. The association noted that it has documented incidents of religiously motivated attacks, written to the International Criminal Court (ICC), and hosted global Christian groups such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement to press for justice and protection.

Despite these efforts, CAN said the cries of Christian victims are still met with denial and delay. It urged the government and security agencies to act quickly and fairly to protect all citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.

“CAN affirms, without hesitation, that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship. These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.

“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial. We therefore renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics.

“CAN acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges, but urges that these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice. We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted,” the statement read in part.

The association said Nigeria must not ignore the pain of victims or reduce their experiences to numbers. It stressed that true peace would only come through justice, unity, and compassion.

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace.”