Christians Under Siege In Nigeria, Says CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, lamented the spate of terror attacks targeted at Christians in the country and described the Church as being under a siege in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that CAN’s Assistant General Secretary, Elder Biodun Sanyaolu, said this at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 45th anniversary of the apex Christian body in the country.

While lamenting that the fate of many Nigerians who have suffered various form of persecution on account of their Christian faith, he said it was reprehensible that security agencies have been unable to stop the targeted attacks.

CAN also claimed that attempts were being made by some external forces to hijack its leadership and destabilise the religious body.

According to Sanyaolu, “Since, the Association came on board on August 27, 1976, it has been consistent in standing against evil in the land.

“But today it is regrettable that there is a siege on the Church which all began with the killings and burning of churches in some states in the North at the emergence of Boko Haram terrorists. Their primary targets, according to their declaration, were Christians and Muslims who stand in their way.

“Our members are being persecuted because of their faith. Some were denied their rights like promotion and appointments. Churches were denied certificates of occupancy in many states in the North while many public schools have removed Christian Religious Knowledge from their curriculum.”

He, however, said that despite the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, CAN had a reason to celebrate.

“While we mark our 45th anniversary today, we have declared three days, 24 – 26 September to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness,” CAN said.