The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
The association described the chants as “chilling and utterly unacceptable,” urging the authorities to identify those involved and prosecute anyone found culpable.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on behalf of the national leadership, CAN stressed that Nigerians must be able to practise their faith without fear of intimidation, threats or violence.
The association warned against dismissing the incident as youthful exuberance, insisting that the nature of the alleged threats warranted an urgent and thorough investigation.
CAN also expressed concern over the involvement of children and young people in the video, warning that exposing minors to messages promoting religious hatred could have serious consequences for peaceful coexistence.
The association called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those featured and determine who organised or facilitated the activity.
It further urged investigators to determine whether any individuals or groups financed, encouraged or coordinated the alleged threats, insisting that anyone found responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
CAN also called for a security assessment to establish whether the video posed any credible threat to Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
While acknowledging the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), the association maintained that the organisation’s position should not replace an independent investigation into the incident.
The Christian body also urged religious leaders across the country to condemn messages promoting hostility against people of other faiths and encourage young people to respect human life, religious freedom and the rights of fellow citizens.
“Religious leaders across Nigeria also have a responsibility to reject, unequivocally, any teaching, slogan or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of another faith,” the statement said.
CAN warned that threats of religious violence should not be treated lightly, given Nigeria’s history of religious tensions and communal bloodshed. It cautioned that failure to investigate such incidents could undermine public confidence in the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The association, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while investigations continue, warning against retaliation that could escalate religious and social tensions.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, CAN maintained that every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation.
The association called on the government and security agencies to investigate the video thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible for making or facilitating credible threats is held accountable.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
