Muslim Rights Concern warns that the Christian Association of Nigeria’s call for foreign military action could escalate tensions and threaten national unity.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for insisting that the current insecurity in Nigeria amounts to “Christian genocide” and for allegedly endorsing a prospective US invasion of the country.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on 26th November 2025, MURIC described CAN’s position as callous, mean, petty, and naive, warning that such actions push Nigeria into a dangerous phase.

“Despite all evidence pointing to the killing of both Muslims and Christians by criminals, CAN has insisted on calling the current insecurity ‘Christian genocide,’” the statement said.

MURIC noted that some petitions calling for US intervention were signed by CAN members, including Professor Joash Amupitan, the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The group added that even though there may be no official CAN statement, former CAN president Rev. Samson Ayokunle explicitly endorsed US intervention about two weeks ago—a stance neither denied nor debunked by CAN.

“The callousness and meanness arise from a failure to think about the country and fellow compatriots, while the naivety stems from shortsightedness and ignorance of international affairs, especially the consequences seen in other countries the US has invaded before,” MURIC said.

The rights group also criticized CAN’s recent nationwide prayer letter dated 20th November 2025, titled “Declaration of a One-Day Nationwide Prayer Against Christian Genocide in Nigeria.” MURIC argued that such prayers, and the choice of words like “fervency,” can push followers to extreme measures. It cited an incident where a Christian cleric prayed for the invasion of Nigeria by American troops, describing it as the height of religious bigotry, educated ignorance, and self-destruction.

MURIC recalled CAN’s past prayers during the Jonathan administration, noting accusations that CAN leadership collected billions of naira for prayers, and warned that similar motives may be at play with new prayer campaigns ahead of 2027.

The group warned that advocating foreign invasion shows a lack of foresight, referencing historical US interventions in countries like Mexico, the Philippines, Cuba, Iraq, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, and Afghanistan. MURIC asked how such invasions benefitted those countries and cautioned that Nigeria could face similar negative consequences.

“Will US troops force Nigerian Muslims to convert to Christianity at gunpoint after CAN’s fair and foul methods fail? Desperation sometimes pushes people to extremes,” the statement said.

MURIC expressed concern that a US invasion could radicalize and militarize previously disciplined and peace-loving Muslim youths in the country. The organization emphasized that more than 95 percent of Nigerian Muslims believe in dialogue, not violence.

The group reaffirmed that Nigerian Muslims condemn terrorism, reject all forms of violence, and remain committed to peacefully coexisting with other compatriots regardless of faith or ethnicity.

“It is wrong to judge the mainstream and larger group by the actions of a misinformed, misguided, and infinitesimally small minority that wages terror on innocent people,” MURIC said.

The organization called on Nigerian Muslims and other right-thinking citizens to pray for peace, political stability, and economic prosperity, urging peaceful and law-abiding Muslim youths to continue being good ambassadors of Islam.

MURIC concluded by praying that Allah grants President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the wisdom and moral strength to navigate the stormy waters of present-day Nigeria.