“This Is the First Christmas in Many Years Without Attacks on Churches,” Says CAN President After Meeting Tinubu

Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), says Christians across the country celebrated Christmas this year without attacks on churches, a development he described as the first of its kind in many years.

Okoh made the remark on Friday while speaking with journalists after leading a delegation of Christian leaders on a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.

He said the visit was aimed at expressing appreciation to the president and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their efforts in supporting vulnerable Nigerians and promoting national development, as well as recent steps taken to improve security across the country.

According to Okoh, the improved security situation allowed Christians to observe Christmas peacefully without the fear and anxiety that had marked previous celebrations.

He described the absence of church attacks during the festive period as a significant testimony and a source of joy for the Christian community, noting that it was a sharp contrast to past years when reports of violence often accompanied Christmas celebrations.

Okoh added that the CAN delegation also used the visit to reaffirm its commitment to working with the president in support of peace, progress, and the overall development of Nigeria, while expressing hope that the current peace would be sustained in the years ahead.