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 conveyed 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, stressing 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 churches,” 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 outlined CAN’s persistent efforts over several years to raise global awareness about the persecution faced by Christians, including setting up systems to record incidents of religiously motivated violence, collaborating with international organizations, and petitioning the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Despite these initiatives, he voiced deep disappointment over the lack of substantial response 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.
Emphasizing the human cost of the violence, Okoh urged that the suffering of families shattered by these attacks should never be reduced to mere numbers.
While recognizing the government’s ongoing efforts to address national security issues, CAN called for intensified actions that guarantee equal protection for all citizens and swift, transparent justice for victims.
“True national healing will not emerge from denial or finger-pointing but from the bravery to confront our shared shortcomings, mourn collectively, and restore trust among our communities. Only through such unity can Nigeria overcome its wounds and move toward lasting peace,” he concluded.