The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced a nationwide one-day prayer aimed at seeking divine intervention amid what the body describes as escalating attacks and “genocide” against Christian communities in parts of the country. The decision follows resolutions reached at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Jos, Plateau State.
In a memo dated November 20, 2025, signed by the CAN General Secretary, Apostle Prof. Samson A. Fatokun, the association directed all bloc leaders, zonal and state executives, heads of denominational groups, and resident pastors to mobilise their congregations for the coordinated prayer, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 7, 2025.
CAN’s declaration comes at a time of renewed national concern over the persistence of violent attacks, including killings, kidnappings, and community displacements reported across several states. Religious bodies, civil society groups, and political actors have increasingly expressed anxiety about rising insecurity and its implications for national unity, governance, and social stability.
The Prayer Focus and CAN’s Position
According to the memo, the prayer will focus on five priority areas:
- Ending what CAN describes as “genocide against Christians”
- Ensuring resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced victims
- Curtailing the activities of terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits
- Seeking divine guidance for political office holders
- Restoring peace and stability nationwide
CAN noted that the prayer will be observed simultaneously across all Christian denominations, with the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel C. Okah, urging participants to approach the exercise with “all fervency.”
“We strongly believe that our God will rise in power as He did in Esther’s time,” the memo stated, referencing biblical texts from 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Esther 4:15–16 as the spiritual foundation for the mobilisation.
