The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for a full investigation into a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading boys in chants threatening Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
The association urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to identify those involved and ensure they face prosecution if found guilty.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the development as a serious concern, particularly because children and young people were allegedly involved in the threatening activity.
“The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored,” Archbishop Okoh said.
The Christian body asked security agencies to establish the origin of the footage, determine when and where it was recorded and uncover those who may have organised the gathering.
It also urged the authorities to assess the situation and take necessary measures to prevent possible attacks on Christian communities and worship centres in Enugu, Jos and other parts of Nigeria.
Reacting to the reported denial of involvement by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), CAN said the position of any organisation should not stop investigators from establishing the facts.
“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,” it said.
The association also called for inquiries into possible sponsors or individuals who might have encouraged the alleged threats, maintaining that anyone found culpable should be dealt with according to the law.
CAN warned religious leaders against promoting messages that could fuel hostility between people of different faiths. It stressed the need to protect young Nigerians from teachings that encourage them to view fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious identities.
According to the association, ignoring the incident could embolden people who threaten others on religious grounds and further weaken peaceful coexistence amid Nigeria’s existing security challenges.
“Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence,” the association said.
CAN appealed to Christians not to take the law into their own hands, urging them to remain peaceful and vigilant while security agencies investigate the matter.
The association reiterated that freedom of worship and equal protection under the law were rights every Nigerian should enjoy, irrespective of religious beliefs.
It therefore urged the government to ensure that the incident was thoroughly investigated and that anyone found responsible was held accountable, stressing that citizens should not have to fear attacks while practising their faith.
