CAN Declares Nationwide One-Day Prayer Against ‘Christian Genocide’ In Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a nationwide one-day prayer to address what it describes as the “ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” following resolutions reached at the 4th Quarter Meeting of its National Executive Council held on November 18, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State.

The declaration was issued in a circular dated November 20, 2025, and signed by the General Secretary of CAN, Apostle Professor Samson A. Fatokun. 

The circular was issued from CAN’s National Headquarters at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The message, addressed to CAN bloc leaders, zonal and state chairmen, heads of church denominations, and resident pastors across Nigeria, conveyed directives from the CAN President, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh.

“As part of the resolutions of the 4th Quarter Meeting of CAN National Executive Council held in Jos, Plateau State on the 18th November 2025, I am directed by the CAN President, His Eminence, Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, to inform all church leaders and pastors of the declaration/observance of a one-day nation-wide prayer against the ongoing Christian Genocide in the country,” the letter stated.

The prayer, scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025, is to be observed in all Christian denominations across Nigeria.

According to the circular, the prayer points include: “Divine intervention to put a stop to the ongoing Christian Genocide.

“Divine intervention in the resettling of the already displaced Christians back to their ancestral homes/communities.

“Divine stop to the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and bandits in the country.

“Divine wisdom to those in government to take the right steps in putting a stop to this great wickedness.

“Divine restoration of Peace and Tranquility in Nigeria.”

The prayer session will also draw from biblical texts in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Esther 4:15–16.

CAN urged church leaders to treat the observance with seriousness and spiritual intensity. 

“Kindly ensure that this prayer is taken with all fervency. We strongly believe that our God will rise in power as He did in Esther's time in biblical narrative,” Fatokun wrote.

Background

The debate over an alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria is highly contested. Advocacy groups and some U.S. politicians argue that Christians face systematic persecution, while Nigerian officials and other analysts insist the violence is broader, affecting both Christians and Muslims.

President Donald Trump recently reignited this controversy by redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations, a move praised by some religious groups but rejected by Nigerian authorities.  

Groups like the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) and Open Doors allege that over 50,000 Christians have been killed and 18,000 churches destroyed since 2009. 

U.S. politicians such as Senator Ted Cruz have described Nigeria as the “deadliest country in the world for Christians”.  

Nigerian officials strongly dispute these figures. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently argued that the government does not classify victims by religion, stressing that all Nigerians are victims of insecurity. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State similarly denied any religious genocide, attributing violence to herder-farmer conflicts over land and resources.  

Commentators warn that framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a “Christian genocide” oversimplifies complex issues like terrorism, banditry, and governance failures. Both Boko Haram and ISWAP have attacked Muslims and Christians alike.  

Trump’s CPC Designation

On October 31, 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. He cited persecution of Christians by violent Islamist groups, including Fulani militias.  

Nigerian groups like the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) rejected the designation, calling it politically motivated propaganda that risks inflaming religious tensions. 

CPC status allows the U.S. to impose sanctions or restrict aid. Trump has even threatened military action, saying Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria.