The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned a video circulating on social media in which a young man led a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
CAN, in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, its President, said the threats are utterly unacceptable, adding that 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.
"Such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or treated as harmless displays of youthful exuberance. They demand urgent attention and decisive action," the apex Christian body said.
CAN further described the viral video as apparent incitement to religious violence, adding, "We are particularly alarmed by the apparent involvement of children and young persons in chants threatening the killing of innocent worshippers.
"The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.
"We call on the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch an urgent and thorough investigation to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity. Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
"We also urge the authorities to assess any credible security risks arising from the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and elsewhere. Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.
"We note the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS. We recognise the importance of establishing the facts before drawing conclusions about institutional involvement. However, the denial of responsibility by any organisation cannot replace an independent investigation into the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.
"Beyond identifying those directly involved, the investigation should establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law, without favour or discrimination.
"Religious leaders across Nigeria also have a responsibility to reject, unequivocally, any teaching, slogan or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of another faith. Young people should be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, not taught to regard fellow citizens as enemies to be eliminated because of their religious beliefs.
"Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly. Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence. The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated.
"We urge Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the matter. We must not allow provocation to draw innocent people into retaliatory actions that could deepen divisions or endanger lives."
CAN said it stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, adding that it will continue to speak out against every threat to the lives and rights of Christians and other Nigerians, while insisting that every citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, is entitled to equal protection under the law.
"The government must act swiftly, investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable," the statement added.
CAN reacts to threat to kill Christians in viral video, demands swift action