The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged security agencies to investigate a viral video showing youths threatening violence against Christians in Enugu and Jos.
CAN warned authorities against dismissing the threats as harmless youthful exuberance.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday. He condemned the video and urged authorities to prosecute anyone found guilty of inciting religious violence in accordance with the law.
A video circulated on social media on Monday showing youths in uniforms linked to the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah marching and chanting threats against Christians during Sunday worship.
One participant called for an AK-47 rifle and threatened to shoot people he described as infidels in Enugu and Jos.
Reacting to the footage, Archbishop Okoh described the threats as 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 called for 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 CAN had asked the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate the incident. They must establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine whether anyone organised or supported the activity.
“Anyone found culpable must face the law,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He urged security agencies to assess the threats and protect Christian communities. He also called for greater security at places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
Archbishop Okoh said Nigerians should be able to attend religious services without fear of attacks or intimidation. The statement came after JIBWIS leaders reportedly disassociated the organisation from the footage that circulated online.
Archbishop Okoh acknowledged the reported denial but said it should not replace 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,” he said
CAN urged authorities to identify anyone who promoted or enabled the threats. It said investigators should look beyond those in the video and hold all contributors accountable.
Archbishop Okoh urged religious leaders nationwide to reject teachings and activities that fuel hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
He urged young people to value human life and respect others, regardless of their religious beliefs.
He said Nigeria had endured years of violence, deaths and mistrust, stressing that authorities must take such threats seriously.
He warned that inaction could fuel further religious threats and urged the government to ensure that no one uses religion to intimidate others.
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 incident has also drawn calls for an investigation from Amnesty International Nigeria and the religious organisation, according to reports.
CAN pledged to continue advocating justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. The association insisted that every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation.
Archbishop Okoh urged the government to act swiftly, investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. He stressed that the government must protect Nigerians’ safety and freedom of worship.
source: Punch News
Content Credit: Mary Arowosegbe
Image Credit: Google.com
