By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has said Nigeria witnessed its first Christmas in several years without reported attacks on churches, describing the development as a major milestone in the nation’s security efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Archbishop Okoh made the disclosure when he led a delegation of CAN leaders on a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to present Christmas goodwill messages and assess the state of security across the country.
According to the CAN president, Christians across Nigeria celebrated the 2025 Christmas season in an atmosphere of relative peace, a sharp departure from previous years when worship centres were frequently targeted, particularly in parts of the North and Middle Belt.
“This is the first time in many years that Christmas passed without recorded attacks on churches. Our people were able to worship freely and celebrate the birth of Christ without fear,”
Okoh said, commending the Federal Government and security agencies for their efforts.
Archbishop Okoh further emphasized that the peaceful celebration was not only significant for Christians but also a positive signal for national stability, noting that security during religious festivities often reflects the overall safety climate of the country.
He described the calm Christmas period as a confidence booster for displaced worshippers who had abandoned churches in the past due to fear of attacks.
He also used the opportunity to draw the President’s attention to lingering security concerns in some rural communities, particularly in parts of the North Central and North East, where banditry and communal clashes continue to affect livelihoods and freedom of movement.
Okoh urged the Federal Government to intensify intelligence gathering and community-based security strategies to permanently address the root causes of violence.
The CAN president appealed for the rehabilitation and resettlement of victims of past attacks, especially widows, orphans and internally displaced persons, stressing that healing and reconciliation must accompany military and security interventions to achieve lasting peace.
On his part, President Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration is working to strengthen coordination among security agencies while investing in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities and personnel welfare to enhance operational effectiveness.
He reiterated that the protection of lives, property and places of worship remains a top priority of his government.
Tinubu also called on religious leaders to continue promoting messages of peace, tolerance and patriotism, noting that faith-based organizations play a critical role in discouraging extremism and fostering unity at the grassroots.
The visit, which took place amid the festive season, underscored the administration’s engagement with religious bodies as key stakeholders in national development and peacebuilding efforts, with both parties expressing optimism that the security gains recorded during the Christmas celebrations would be sustained in the new year.
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