The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide in the country, calling them exaggerated and driven by foreign actors. The claims were recently made by US comedian Bill Maher, who accused Islamists, particularly Boko Haram, of systematically killing Christians, citing over 100,000 deaths since 2009 and the burning of 18,000 churches.
US Senator Ted Cruz also criticized Nigerian officials for allegedly ignoring or enabling the mass murder of Christians by Islamist groups, claiming Christians are forced to submit to sharia and blasphemy laws. Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials, while West Virginia Representative Riley Moore urged the US to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and halt arms sales until the government addresses the persecution.
In response, CAN’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, acknowledged ongoing killings but denied that Christians are specifically targeted. He explained that the insurgency affects both Christians and Muslims, with attacks occurring in churches, mosques, and public spaces like markets, showing no clear pattern. Ayuba noted that some groups exploit the situation for foreign attention, which could harm Nigeria if it’s labeled a country of concern. He urged collective action to combat the insurgency and emphasized addressing issues domestically through Nigeria’s Senate rather than seeking sympathy abroad.
