The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed allegations of a targeted "Christian genocide" in the country, labeling such claims as baseless and propagated by foreign agents. In a statement released today, CAN emphasized that terrorist attacks in Nigeria are indiscriminate and not aimed solely at Christians.
The statement comes in response to recent remarks by U.S. comedian Bill Maher, who alleged that over 100,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009 and that 18,000 churches have been burned. Maher attributed these attacks to Islamists, particularly Boko Haram. However, CAN refuted these figures, asserting that such narratives are misleading and do not reflect the complex realities on the ground.
CAN's Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, clarified that while states like Benue, which have significant Christian populations, may appear to be disproportionately affected, similar insurgent activities have also targeted Muslims. He pointed out that terrorist groups operate without regard to religious affiliation, attacking both Christian and Muslim communities alike.
The Nigerian government has also rejected the characterization of the violence as a religious genocide. In a statement issued last week, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described such claims as false, baseless, and divisive. He emphasized that terrorists in Nigeria target individuals regardless of their faith, and portraying the violence as a targeted campaign against Christians misrepresents the reality of the country's security challenges.
While acknowledging the tragic loss of life, both CAN and the federal government urge for a more nuanced understanding of the situation, focusing on the need for comprehensive security measures that protect all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
This position aligns with the Nigerian government's stance, which has also rejected the characterization of the violence as a religious genocide. The government has described such claims as false and divisive, urging a more nuanced understanding of the complex security challenges facing the country.
The debate over these allegations continues both within Nigeria and internationally. For instance, the Nigerian Senate is scheduled to debate a motion on October 7, 2025, addressing the "Christian genocide" narrative and urging the federal government to adopt a data-driven approach to public communication on the issue.
In summary, both CAN and the Nigerian government have officially rejected the notion of a targeted Christian genocide in Nigeria, aligning with the position that terrorist attacks in the country are indiscriminate and not specifically aimed at any one religious group.
Tags:
News