CAN REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE
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BY MUNIRAT BALOGUN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has refuted assertions regarding a purported Christian genocide in Nigeria as disseminated by overseas operatives.
Recently, American comedian and HBO host Bill Maher leveled accusations concerning Christian genocide in Nigeria, attributing it to Islamist factions within the nation.
“I do not identify as a Christian, yet they are systematically exterminating Christians in Nigeria. Over one hundred thousand have been murdered since 2009. They have incinerated 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This constitutes a far more significant attempt at genocide than what is occurring in Gaza.
They are actively seeking to eradicate the Christian populace of an entire nation,” Maher articulated.
Moreover, U. S. Senator Ted Cruz charged Nigerian governmental officials with “overlooking and even aiding the mass execution of Christians by Islamist terrorists. ”
He further expressed concern that Nigerian Christians are under siege and are being executed for their beliefs by Islamist extremist organizations, contending that they “are being coerced into accepting sharia law and blasphemy statutes throughout Nigeria. It is overdue to impose substantial repercussions on the Nigerian officials who enable these actions…”
Calling for accountability for those responsible, the Texas Senator announced the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to the U. S. Senate, which would direct stringent sanctions and additional measures against these officials.
Additionally, Riley Moore, the congressional representative for West Virginia’s 2nd District, addressed a correspondence to U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, imploring him to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
He also urged Rubio to suspend arms transactions and any associated technical assistance until the Nigerian government demonstrates a sufficient commitment to ceasing this wave of persecution and violence against Christians.
In the meantime, the Presidency has, through various statements, repudiated the allegations of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that no religious conflict is occurring within the nation.
Bullets do not discriminate between Christians and Muslims.
When our correspondent contacted the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the organization’s Director of National Issues and Social Welfare, Abimbola Ayuba, acknowledged that homicides were indeed taking place within the country. However, he refuted the notion that attacks were solely directed at Christians.
Ayuba stated, “What I can convey is that empirical data exists throughout the region regarding the rate of killings in Nigeria. The pattern of these killings does not adhere to any specific demographic. In several predominantly Christian states like Benue, it may seem as though Christians are targeted.
Yet, this same insurgency has also claimed numerous Muslims during their early morning prayers; they assault them in their mosques, butcher them, abduct individuals, and engage in various atrocities.
“Occasionally, our plight is exploited by factions that understand the advantages they can gain from foreign interests. Those international entities have the right to inquire into our circumstances, but we also retain the right to present the situation as it is.”
Indeed, it is alarming that this rebellion is enduring for an extended period. Furthermore, the recent surge in homicides lacks any discernible pattern. When gunfire erupts in a marketplace, the projectiles do not discriminate between Christians, Muslims, or even infants.
Therefore, our primary focus must be on implementing a comprehensive societal approach to eradicate this insurgency and tackle the challenges posed by collective mindsets. Why seek refuge in America when there is a Senate here where one can submit a petition? Ultimately, when Nigeria is designated as a nation of particular concern, we will all face the repercussions. However, those who venture abroad in search of empathy understand their motivations.
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