The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in the country, describing them as exaggerated narratives pushed by foreign actors.
The controversy followed statements by US comedian Bill Maher, who alleged that Christians were being systematically targeted in Nigeria, with Islamist groups 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 faced persecution under sharia and blasphemy laws.
In response, Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act in the US Senate to impose sanctions on officials deemed responsible. Congressman Riley Moore of West Virginia also wrote to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern and calling for a suspension of 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 that killings are occurring in Nigeria but rejected the notion that Christians are exclusively targeted.
“All I can say is that facts show the killings in Nigeria follow no particular pattern,” Ayuba said. “In Christian-majority states like Benue, it may appear that Christians are being targeted, but the insurgency has also claimed many Muslims during early morning prayers in mosques, through attacks, kidnappings, and other violent acts.”
He added that some groups exploit the situation for foreign attention. “Our circumstances are sometimes manipulated by those who stand to gain from foreign interests. While external actors can inquire, we must report the facts as they are. The violence does not discriminate—it does not spare Christians, Muslims, or even children.”
Ayuba called for collective, local action to address the insurgency rather than seeking sympathy abroad. “What we need is an all-of-society approach to end this insurgency and counter groupthink. Why appeal to America when the Senate here provides a platform for petitions? Labeling Nigeria as a country of special concern will harm all of us. Those seeking foreign sympathy know exactly why they do it,” he said.