₦airaland Forum

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has again declared that Christian genocide is ongoing in Nigeria, calling on the federal government and the international community to act decisively to end the relentless killings and displacement of believers, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Jos, Plateau State capital.

Okoh added that Jos is a city whose very soil bears the memory of deep anguish and resilient hope, “a land that has wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and yet continues to rise with a steadfast faith that defies the darkness around it.”

The Archbishop extended gratitude to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, “for hosting the meeting, encouraging him to continue in his path of service so that by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Plateau will rise again.

Our presence in Jos is not accidental. It is intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic. We are here as ambassadors of solidarity, compassion, and moral support.

“It would be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired: lives brutally cut short, communities uprooted from their ancestral lands, families torn apart, churches razed, and hopes shattered.

“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria,” Okoh stated.

He also recounted a recent visit to displaced persons in Bokkos, noting, “The scars we saw were deep; yet, the faith we encountered was stronger still. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Body of Christ stands firmly with you.”

The CAN President defended the association’s role as a vocal advocate, stating that their calling demands that they speak, adding that silence in the face of injustice is not only irresponsible but also unbiblical.

He noted that this crisis has now drawn urgent attention from the international community.

While expressing pain over the negative spotlight, Okoh declared that “if international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring lasting peace, then we, the Christian community in Nigeria, welcome it.”

He assured that CAN will not relent but continue to demand justice. “We will continue to call for accountability. We will continue to defend the vulnerable. We will continue to advocate for peace and unity in Nigeria.”

The CAN President acknowledged the sacrifices of the security agencies but noted that despite these efforts, the killings, kidnappings, and mass displacements remain unabated.

“We renew our appeal to the federal government of Nigeria, and to the international community, to act decisively and urgently to halt the senseless destruction of lives and displacement of indigenous people, particularly in Christian-dominated communities across Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt,” he said.

He stated that no individual should be persecuted or killed for their faith and called on governments to take immediate steps to resettle all internally displaced persons back to their ancestral homes.

Okoh described the IDPs’ plight as “a painful indictment on our national conscience,” warning that “if not addressed, this humanitarian crisis may escalate into something far more devastating. God forbid.”

The Archbishop further urged Christian leaders to unite, stating that these challenging times “demand sincerity, courage, unity, and wisdom.”

“This is a season in which we must speak with one voice, stand shoulder to shoulder, and unite our strategies to confront an existential threat to our communities. Our strength lies in our unity.

“Yet, even in the midst of grief, we remain a people of hope. Our God has not abandoned us. This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ. I urge all leaders to remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous.

“Continue to strengthen the flock entrusted to your care. Continue to sow seeds of hope, even in the soil of sorrow. In God’s time, the dawn shall break, and His light will shine upon our land once again,” he said.

"....CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwaveringly by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria...."

EXCLUSIVE: Tinubu's Newly Appointed INEC Chairman Prof Amupitan Wrote Legal Brief In 2020 Report Confirming Genocidal Killings In Nigeria; “Legal Brief: Genocide (Silent Slaughter) in Nigeria – The Implications for the International Community."

“it is a notorious fact that there is perpetration of crimes under international law in Nigeria, particularly crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.”

“While the country is trying to manage the concerns engendered by the clamour for self-determination, two violent extremist groups have emerged to exacerbate an already deteriorating situation… Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen, responsible for an orgy of bloodbath and massive displacements in many States across Nigeria.”

Accusing the Nigerian government of constitutional failure, asserting that the neglect of the state to prosecute alleged perpetrators had made international intervention “a moral and legal necessity.”

“The victims of the crises are mainly the Christian population and the minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. Hence the need for remedial actions under the international law.”

Tracing the historical roots of Nigeria’s ethno-religious conflicts, Amupitan wrote that the “drive for Islamisation of Nigeria through the jihad of 1804” had now reappeared through modern extremist movements. He described the Fulani-led jihad of Uthman Dan Fodio as a “full-blown Islamization agenda”, arguing that the same ideological undercurrent still drives much of the current violence in northern Nigeria.

“Following the 19th century jihad of Uthman Dan Fodio, the Hausa territories were conquered and the Sokoto Caliphate established. The success of the jihad was one of the religious triumphalism that aimed at expanding the caliphate to other parts of Nigeria in the irrevocable bid to dip the Quran into the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos.”

The caliphate thereafter became a dominant force in the north,” and that subsequent governments had continued to protect its influence through political manipulation and systemic favoritism. The legal brief also accused Nigerian authorities of deliberately avoiding the term “genocide” to escape international accountability:

“States are skeptical of naming ‘genocide’ the way it is to avoid committing resources to stop it and to punish perpetrators. Such States easily find cover under the principle of complementarity. Concealing genocide becomes a strategy to guard sovereignty and protect ego, at the expense of innocent lives.”

The alleged involvement of the State and non-State actors in the commission of crimes under international law in Nigeria has complicated an already complex situation.

Consequently, the situation beckons the urgent need for a neutral and impartial third-party intervention, especially the UN and its key organs, the military and economic superpowers.

International law supersedes absolute state sovereignty in cases of genocide and crimes against humanity...."

Prof. Amupitan concluded his paper by making a direct appeal to the United Nations and global powers to intervene in Nigeria’s crisis:

AMINDA:
Did CAN consult with Bishop Kukah and Pastor Reno Omokri before coming out with this position?

Kastonkastroll:
Aminda how are you and how is our good friend el- rufai? What's happening with elrufai these days?

MadamVanessa:



Agbado CAN or, CAN of worms or CAN beer. Because original Christian association of Nigeria wouldn't be shameless to lie like this when the fact is there to see when the evidence is glaring to all the world to see. God punish whoever insists that there's no Christian cleansing.

Kastonkastroll:
Honestly the government really needs to sit up. The insecurity is getting out of hand that sometimes you begin to wonder if we even have a government.

I know our gallant armed forces are trying but more effort needs to be put in order to tackle this menace.

God bless the military
God bless Nigeria

AMINDA:
Did CAN consult with Bishop Kukah and Pastor Reno Omokri before coming out with this position?

dre11:
https://leadership.ng/again-can-insists-christian-genocide-ongoing-in-nigeria/