The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed allegations suggesting an ongoing genocide against Christians in the country, describing such claims as exaggerated and misleading stories pushed by foreign individuals.
The controversy began after American comedian Bill Maher claimed that Christians were being killed in large numbers in Nigeria. Maher alleged that Islamic extremists were burning churches and attempting to eliminate the Christian population.
In a similar tone, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz accused Nigerian leaders of “ignoring or enabling the mass killing of Christians by Islamist jihadists.” Cruz also alleged that many believers were being targeted because of their faith and subjected to blasphemy and Sharia laws.
To this effect, Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act before the U.S. Senate, seeking sanctions against any Nigerian officials believed to be involved. Another American lawmaker, Riley Moore, representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, also wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting that Nigeria be placed on the list of Countries of Particular Concern until the government demonstrates clear efforts to protect its Christian citizens.
However, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, said the situation in Nigeria should not be misrepresented as religious genocide. Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, he admitted that killings are happening but insisted that no specific religion is being targeted.
“All I will say is that facts exist everywhere about the killings in Nigeria, but the pattern is not focused on any particular group,” Ayuba said. “In some Christian-dominated states like Benue, it may appear as if Christians are being targeted, but this same violence has also claimed Muslim lives in their mosques during prayers.”
According to Ayuba, groups often use Nigeria’s insecurity crisis to gain international attention and sympathy. Okay News gathered that he blamed both foreign and local actors for misrepresenting the nation’s challenges for personal or political advantage.
He explained that the ongoing violence affects everyone regardless of religion. “When terrorists open fire in a market, the bullets do not choose between a Christian, a Muslim, or even a child,” Ayuba stressed.
The CAN official further urged Nigerians to unite and confront terrorism together instead of running to foreign countries for help. “We must all join hands to stop this insurgency. Running abroad for sympathy only worsens the country’s image,” he warned.
Ayuba also cautioned against pushing Nigeria towards international sanctions, saying such actions could harm every citizen. “When foreign governments classify Nigeria as a country of concern, it affects all of us,” he added.
He concluded by encouraging citizens to seek solutions within the nation, calling for unity and decisive action to end insecurity across communities.
