Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the presidency of presenting a false report on the alleged mass killing of christians in Nigeria.
The Association specifically accused the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, of deliberately misrepresenting the content of the recent meeting between him and the leadership of CAN led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
CAN President, Archbishop Okoh, in a statement, acknowledged that a meeting was held between CAN leadership and Bwala, but what was discussed in the meeting was not what the presidential aide presented to the public as the outcome of the meeting.
“We wish to correct recent media reports following the visit of Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to the CAN Secretariat at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Monday, 20 October 2025.
“During the visit, Bwala sought to understand CAN’s position regarding the global reactions to remarks by United States Senator Ted Cruz, who described the widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria as a ‘Christian genocide.’
“Bwala noted that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from the insecurity, adding that the current administration inherited the problem and is working to address it. But we made it clear to him that its position on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged.
“Across many parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised, and brutal attacks that have left thousands dead, villages destroyed, and families displaced. These are not isolated crimes but a continuing pattern of violence that has persisted for years without justice or closure.
“However, CAN was alarmed to see a press statement reportedly issued by Barrister Bwala, titled ‘Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership’. The report falsely suggested that the CAN President, Archbishop Okoh, dismissed or downplayed the ongoing killings by describing them as a ‘so-called Christian genocide. That portrayal is completely false and grossly unfair.
“The meeting was recorded by CAN’s media team, and at no point did Archbishop Okoh use such words or express such a view. Also, referring to the tragedy as a ‘so-called genocide’ trivialises the pain of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship in targeted attacks.
“During the meeting, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Bishop Mike Akpami, presented verified data from www.orfa.africa showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians across several regions of Africa, including Nigeria.
“The meeting was by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN; Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, Vice President; Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary; Dean Rev. Ozumba, Emmanuel Nicodemus, Director of Education, Women & Youth; Dame Comfort Otera Chigbue (Esq), Director of Legal & Public Affairs.
Others are Bishop Mike Akpami, Director of Planning, Research & Strategy; Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, Director of National Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Dr. Simon Dolly, Secretary, North Central Zone; and Dr. Victor Ivoke, Senior Special Assistant to the CAN President.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams, Assistant General Secretary; and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, whose names appeared in some reports, were not present at the meeting.”
The christian body called on the federal government and security agencies to act with urgency, fairness, and transparency to halt these killings and bring all perpetrators to justice.
It also urged media professionals and government officials to speak with truth, empathy, and responsibility, as careless words could deepen wounds and undermine peace.
Meanwhile, Bwala, in a post on X on Monday, said: “In Abuja today, I met with the leadership of CAN to convey President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of peace, partnership, and unity. I emphasized that insecurity in Nigeria is a national challenge, not a religious one.
“Our government is tackling it head-on, guided by fairness and the conviction that no Nigerian should be profiled by tribe or faith. The Western media’s ‘Christian genocide’ narrative is not only misleading, it undermines the sacrifices of our security agencies and communities working daily for peace.
“His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh and the CAN leadership commended President Tinubu’s open-door policy and pledged continued collaboration for a safer and stronger nation. Nigerians know that when we stand together as Christians, Muslims and people of all beliefs, no force can divide us.
“Ours is one nation under God, and the Renewed Hope agenda is for every Nigerian, in every region, under one flag.”
“Notably, a few days earlier, Bwala visited the leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), perhaps, on the same mission. In a post on X, Bwala said, “on the mandate of President Tinubu, I met with the national leadership of the PFN in Abuja for a constructive dialogue on security, media narratives, and national unity. I deeply appreciated their openness, patriotism, and willingness to engage on issues that shape our collective peace and progress.
“We discussed verified facts on Nigeria’s security situation and addressed misleading western reports suggesting faith-based killings in Nigeria. Both sides agreed that while challenges exist, they are not religiously motivated. Together, we share a common resolve to strengthen trust, promote truth, and build a safer Nigeria.”