The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has accused the Presidency of twisting facts and misrepresenting its position on the on-going killings of Christians across the country, insisting that happenings in several parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt amounted to a Christian genocide.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, urged the international community not to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue.

CAN, in a statement by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, clarified that it did not, at any point, dismiss or describe the widespread killings as a so-called Christian genocide.

He made this statement in response to a press statement reportedly issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Barrister Daniel Bwala.

Stressing that CAN’s stance on this issue has long been established and remains unchanged, Okoh lamented that across many parts of northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt, Christian communities have suffered repeated, organised and brutal attacks which have left thousands dead, villages destroyed and families displaced.