CAN Declares Nationwide Day Of Prayer Against ‘Genocide’ In Nigeria
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a nationwide one-day prayer to seek divine intervention against what it described as ongoing “genocide” in parts of the country.
The directive was issued following the resolutions of CAN’s National Executive Council meeting held in Jos, Plateau State.
In a memo dated 20 November 2025 and signed by CAN General Secretary, Apostle Prof. Samson A. Fatokun, the association instructed all bloc leaders, zonal and state chairmen, heads of church denominations, and resident pastors to mobilise their congregations for the special prayer scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to the memo, the prayer — to be observed simultaneously across all Christian denominations in Nigeria — will focus on five key points: ending the alleged genocide against Christians, ensuring the safe resettlement of displaced victims, halting the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, granting divine wisdom to those in government, and restoring peace and tranquility nationwide.
“The CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop (Dr.) Daniel C. Okah, has directed that this prayer be taken with all fervency,” the memo stated.
“We strongly believe that our God will rise in power as He did in Esther’s time.”
Citing biblical passages from 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Esther 4:15–16, CAN urged churches to intercede passionately, expressing confidence that the spiritual exercise would usher in divine intervention for the nation.
The memo concluded with assurances of commitment from the CAN President and the national leadership toward safeguarding the interests and welfare of Christians across the country.
The memo which SaharaReporters obtained on Saturday is titled: “DECLARATION OF A ONE-DAY NATION-WIDE PRAYER AGAINST CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE IN NIGERIA”.
Naija News House earlier reported that the number of pupils and students abducted from St Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State rose to 315, according to the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Naija News House had reported that terrorists invaded the school in the early hours of Friday, initially seizing 215 pupils and 12 teachers.
However, following a detailed verification exercise, school authorities discovered that 88 additional students who were earlier presumed safe had also been captured while attempting to flee.
This brings the total number of abducted students to 303, alongside the 12 teachers — four women and eight men — taken during the attack.
The updated figures were disclosed on Saturday by CAN chairman in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, through his media aide, Daniel Atori.
