The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing youths chanting threats of violence against Christians in Enugu and Jos, warning that the threats must not be dismissed as harmless youthful exuberance.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, condemning the video and demanding that anyone found responsible for inciting religious violence be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The video, which circulated on social media on Monday, showed youths wearing uniforms associated with the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah participating in a marching exercise while chanting statements advocating attacks on Christians during Sunday worship.
One of the participants was heard calling for an AK-47 rifle and threatening to open fire on people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos.
Reacting to the footage, Okoh said the threats were alarming and unacceptable, insisting that no Nigerian should face the prospect of violence because of their religious beliefs.
“The threats are chilling and utterly unacceptable. 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,” CAN said.
The association demanded urgent attention and decisive action.
The CAN president expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that their exposure to messages promoting religious hatred required urgent attention.
He said the association was calling on the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, establish where and when the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine whether others organised or facilitated the activity.
“Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Okoh said.
He also urged security agencies to assess the credibility of the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
According to him, Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.
CAN’s reaction followed reports that the leadership of JIBWIS had disavowed the video.
Okoh acknowledged the reported denial but said it should not take the place of an independent investigation into the incident.
“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,” he said.
The association further called for investigations into whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the alleged threats, stressing that accountability should extend beyond those seen in the footage.
Okoh also urged religious leaders across the country to reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
He said young people should be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than view fellow citizens as enemies 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,” he said.
The CAN president urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the incident, warning against retaliatory actions that could escalate tensions and endanger innocent lives.
The video has also prompted calls for an investigation from Amnesty International Nigeria and the religious organisation, according to reports surrounding the incident.
CAN said it would continue to advocate justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, while insisting that every Nigerian was entitled to equal protection under the law, irrespective of religious affiliation.
“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,” Okoh added.