CAN demands probe of viral video threatening Christians in Enugu, Jos

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to urgently investigate a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.

The association condemned the video, calling the threats alarming and unacceptable, and urged authorities to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, warning that threats of religious violence must not be dismissed as harmless chants or youthful exuberance.

The association said the apparent involvement of children and young people in chants calling for the use of AK-47 rifles against Christian worshippers raised serious concerns about the promotion of religious hatred among the younger generation.

“No Nigerian should have to fear for their life because of their faith or face the prospect of violence simply for gathering to worship God,” the statement said.

CAN urged security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those featured in it and determine the individuals or groups that may have organised or facilitated the activity.

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It also called on the authorities to assess credible security threats arising from the video and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

The association stressed that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attacks or intimidation.

While acknowledging the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) ‘s reported disavowal of the video, CAN said an independent investigation remained necessary to establish the facts.

According to the association, the denial of responsibility by any organisation should not prevent investigators from determining the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.