CAN Denies Christian Genocide Claims, Urges Nigerians To Address Insurgency Locally
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has rejected claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, calling such reports exaggerated and driven by foreign interests.
The controversy emerged after US comedian Bill Maher alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being systematically killed, with Islamist groups reportedly burning churches and attempting to eliminate the Christian population. US Senator Ted Cruz also accused Nigerian authorities of “ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists,” claiming that Christians were being targeted under sharia and blasphemy laws.
Cruz subsequently introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the US Senate to impose sanctions on officials deemed responsible. Congressman Riley Moore also urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and suspend arms sales until the government demonstrates protection for Christians.
Speaking to Guardian Nigeria on Tuesday, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, acknowledged the ongoing killings but rejected the idea that Christians are uniquely targeted.
“Facts show that the killings do not follow any particular pattern,” Ayuba said. “In Christian-majority states like Benue, it may seem Christians are being targeted, but Muslims have also been attacked, including during early morning prayers in mosques. The violence involves kidnappings, attacks, and other atrocities that affect everyone.”
Ayuba also criticized groups exploiting the situation for foreign attention. “Some actors use our challenges to serve their foreign interests. While outsiders have a right to inquire, we must present the facts accurately. The violence does not discriminate—it affects Christians, Muslims, and even children,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to take collective action to address the insurgency locally rather than seeking sympathy abroad. “We need an all-of-society approach to end this insurgency. Why appeal to America when the Nigerian Senate provides avenues for petitions? Declaring Nigeria a country of particular concern will hurt all of us. Those seeking foreign sympathy know why they do it,” Ayuba concluded.
