A coalition of Christian youth groups has criticised comments made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, concerning “Christian genocide” in Nigeria
Bwala had visited the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at its national secretariat in Abuja on Monday, amid growing outrage over alleged persecution of Christians and moves by some United States lawmakers to protect “persecuted Christians” in Nigeria.
Following the visit, Bwala stated that he informed CAN leaders that Western media and US lawmakers were responsible for “painting an inaccurate picture” of the situation in Nigeria.
However, during a joint press conference held in Abuja, representatives of several Christian youth groups, including the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, Odua Youth Democratic Congress, Middle Belt Youth Vanguard, Progressives Congress, and the South-East Congress for National Development, accused Bwala of misrepresenting CAN after his meeting with the association’s leadership.
The coalition stated that Bwala’s public claim denying the existence of genocide against Christians in Nigeria contradicted CAN’s position and undermined the suffering of victims across various states.
“It is unstatesmanlike, unethical, and misleading for Daniel Bwala to attribute to CAN what was never said in their private meeting,” said Adama James Paul, leader of the coalition. “His comments amount to a deliberate misrepresentation and a gross distortion of the truth.”
The groups alleged that denying targeted attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the North and Middle Belt, was an attempt to erase years of documented atrocities.
They cited persistent killings, displacement, and destruction of communities in Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, and other Christian-dominated areas, describing the situation as “a sustained campaign of extermination and ethnic cleansing.”
Adama further criticised Bwala, saying, “It is unfortunate that Mr Bwala, who hails from Borno State, one of the regions worst affected by Boko Haram’s insurgency, would deny the suffering and deaths of his own people. His comments are not only insensitive but also an insult to the memory of thousands who have lost their lives.”
The coalition also accused the presidential aide of seeking political relevance at the expense of truth and justice, adding that his statements had caused further pain to survivors and displaced persons.
They called on Christian leaders and all Nigerians of goodwill to stand for truth and justice, urging political figures to avoid making comments that downplay or deny the realities of insecurity and targeted violence.
While commending Nigeria’s security forces for their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace, the coalition stressed the need for sincerity, unity, and acknowledgment of truth in addressing the root causes of violence.
“It is time for our nation to heal and move forward, but healing can only begin when the truth is acknowledged, not denied,” the groups stated.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
