The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, formally opened its fourth quarter National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Jos, Plateau State, with leaders issuing strong calls for unity, justice, and urgent action in response to what they described as ongoing targeted attacks on Christian communities across the country.

The meeting, hosted at the Cripan Hotel, drew national, zonal, and state leaders of the Association, as well as senior clergy, civil society partners, and government representatives.

Plateau CAN Welcomes Delegates, Calls for Direction Amid National Challenges

In a welcome address delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Chairman, Rev. Dr. K. K. Saleh, the Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gonwalk, welcomed delegates to Jos and expressed gratitude to God for journey mercies and the support of the Plateau State Government.

He noted that the NEC meeting was holding at a time when Nigeria is confronted with “complex challenges” spanning insecurity, economic hardship, and political instability. He urged delegates to provide “critical direction and solutions” to the issues facing the nation.

“This edition of the NEC comes at a challenging time in our nation’s history,” he said. “I am hopeful that this august assembly will bring forth critical and much-needed direction, counsel, and solutions to the issues plaguing our great nation.”

North Central CAN Chair Warns That Division Weakens Christian Witness

Also speaking, the CAN North Central Zonal Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, reminded Church leaders of their responsibility to maintain unity, uphold sound doctrine, and strengthen Christian witness.

“Division diminishes our witness, but unity magnifies the light of Christ,” he said, urging leaders to deepen community engagement through compassion, justice, and service.

CAN President: ‘It Would Be a Grave Injustice to Deny What Is Happening’

Delivering his opening remark, the CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Oko, issued one of the strongest statements of the day, declaring that the suffering of Christian communities in the North and Middle Belt amounted to genocide.

He lamented years of killings, displacement, destroyed churches, and communities uprooted from ancestral lands.

“It will be a grave injustice to deny the painful reality of what has transpired and what is still going on,” he said. “Across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have experienced repeated, coordinated, and clearly targeted attacks… Victims have not been compensated, and perpetrators continue to evade accountability.”

Archbishop Oko reaffirmed CAN’s position that Christians are being deliberately targeted, insisting that the Association “will not be silent.”

Sermon: ‘Unity is Our Only Path to Victory’ — Rev. Baba

Delivering the sermon, the CAN National Vice President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panyan Baba, emphasized that unity and obedience to God’s word are essential for the Church to confront persecution and national crises.

Quoting scripture, he warned that disunity weakens the Church’s ability to resist attacks.

“Unity among us will lead to victory against the enemies of the cross,” he said. “A house divided against itself cannot stand… When they finally come for us, there will be no one left to speak for us.”

Rev. Baba recounted the heavy toll of violence on Christian communities in Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Borno, and Adamawa.

“If that is not genocide, I wonder what you call it,” he said.

Para-Mallam: ‘Targeted Killings of Christians Are Established Facts’

In his goodwill message, Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam commended the peaceful hosting of recent events in Plateau State as a testament to the possibility of peace in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for the Church to speak with one voice, particularly in confronting the rising targeted killings and kidnappings of Christians across the country. Highlighting the ongoing captivity of Leah Sharibu and other Christian girls, he called for united Church action to ensure their release and to end all forms of persecution. Dr. Para-Mallam stressed that coordinated efforts by the Church, government, and security agencies are vital to restoring peace and protecting all Nigerians.

He called for united Church action to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and other Christian girls still in captivity.

“Is there ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria today? The answer is a capital YES,” he said, citing recent kidnappings of Christian girls in Borno and Kebbi States.

He urged the Church to take a united stand against Boko Haram, bandits, and armed herdsmen.

Other Speakers Call for Action, Justice, and Global Advocacy

Speakers including the National Christian Elders Forum, Rev. Pandam Yamsa, Prophet Isa El-Buba, and Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo reinforced the urgent need for unity and strategic action.

Prophet Isa El-Buba called for a unified and decisive Christian response to the ongoing violence and genocide against Christians in Nigeria. He emphasized that the Church must speak with one voice, take bold action, and engage both national authorities and international partners. He urged the establishment of a national prayer and advocacy coalition, rapid response units, and structured community defense to protect vulnerable Christians, provide relief, and rebuild affected communities. According to him, the Church can no longer remain silent or passive in the face of persecution.

“Nigeria is bleeding, and the church must speak with one voice, not a fragmented tone. The ongoing genocide is real, and it must stop. While we pray, we must also act strategically, setting up a national prayer watch and a rapid response advocacy unit to engage government, military, and international observers. The church cannot continue to watch endlessly; the end of that dragon with multiple heads has come to an end.”

Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo warned that silence in the face of persecution is tantamount to complicity. He stressed the moral obligation of Christians to defend their communities, hold the government accountable, and take evidence of atrocities to international platforms such as the International Criminal Court. He highlighted the danger of failing future generations if Christians do not act now, stressing that faith requires boldness and decisive action against injustice.

“What will our future generation look like in Nigeria if we don’t speak now? Silence in the face of persecution means we have failed our brothers. I’ve been burying people killed by terrorists, and we cannot continue to watch passively. We are going to take this issue to the International Criminal Court to ensure the world knows there is genocide on Christians.”

Traditional rulers under the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs also pledged support for a united Church voice.

Plateau Deputy Governor Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Peace

Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo delivered a goodwill message in which she commended CAN’s leadership and emphasized the administration’s commitment to restoring peace, resettling displaced persons, and securing rural communities.

“This meeting comes at a time when our nation faces complex challenges,” she said. “Plateau is committed to restoring true peace, securing our rural areas, and resettling displaced persons… We deeply appreciate CAN for your prayers, support, and partnership.”

NEC Sessions Continue Through the Week

The meeting is expected to continue with plenary sessions, reports from states and blocs, and strategic discussions on national security, advocacy, and the role of the Church in strengthening Nigeria’s social and moral foundations.