Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing youths chanting threats to attack Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, urged the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the video.
Okoh described the chants as disturbing and warned that threats of religious violence should not be dismissed as harmless youthful behaviour.
He expressed particular concern over the reported involvement of children and young people in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christian worshippers.
The CAN president urged investigators to determine when and where the video was recorded, identify those who organised the activity and establish whether any individuals or groups financed or encouraged the threats.
He also called on authorities to assess potential security risks and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
The association acknowledged reports that the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) had distanced itself from the video. However, it maintained that an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts and determine whether any organisation was involved.
Okoh also urged religious leaders across the country to reject teachings and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
He called on Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the matter, warning against retaliatory actions that could worsen religious tensions.
The CAN president stressed that the government must act swiftly and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the consequences of the law.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence, insisting that all Nigerians deserve equal protection regardless of their religious beliefs.