The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate a viral video in which a young man leads a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association condemned what it described as an apparent incitement to religious violence, and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.
CAN expressed particular concern over the involvement of children and young persons in the chants. “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 association asked the security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity. It also called for an assessment of potential security risks and for adequate protection of Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
The video has already drawn a response from the organisation whose members appear in it. The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, popularly known as Izala, has dissociated itself from the footage, which shows a group wearing the outfit’s First Aid Group uniform. In the recording, the leader of the group is heard soliciting assault rifles to carry out mass attacks in churches in Enugu and Plateau states. JIBWIS has itself demanded that security agencies probe the matter.
CAN welcomed the reported disavowal but insisted that it cannot take the place of an independent investigation. “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,” the association said.
It further urged investigators to establish whether any individuals or groups sponsored, encouraged or facilitated the threats, insisting that anyone found culpable must face the law without favour or discrimination.
The association also called on religious leaders across the country to reject any teaching or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of other faiths, warning against exposing young Nigerians to messages that portray fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.
CAN cautioned that failure to act could embolden those who threaten citizens on religious grounds and further undermine peaceful coexistence in a country already contending with violence and deep-seated distrust. “Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence,” it said.
To Christians, the association appealed for calm, vigilance and law-abiding conduct while the investigation proceeds, and warned against retaliatory actions that could put lives at risk and deepen religious divisions.
Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence, CAN insisted that every Nigerian is entitled to equal protection under the law regardless of faith, and charged the government to move beyond condemnation, establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable. “The safety of citizens and their freedom to worship must not be left at the mercy of religious extremists,” the association said.
The incident places fresh weight on the security agencies’ response. A video of this kind travels quickly, and the gap between a circulating threat and an official account of its origin is where rumour and reprisal find room. Both CAN and JIBWIS have now asked for the same thing, an investigation, which leaves the next move squarely with the authorities.
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