The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate a viral video showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
The association described the chants as “chilling and utterly unacceptable,” urging authorities to identify those behind the video and prosecute anyone found culpable.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on behalf of the national leadership, CAN stressed that every Nigerian must be able to practise their religion without fear, intimidation or threats of violence.
The association warned security agencies against dismissing the incident as youthful exuberance, insisting that the nature of the threats warranted an urgent and comprehensive 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 encourage intolerance and violence.
The Christian body urged the DSS, police and other relevant agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify the individuals involved and determine those who organised or facilitated the activity.
It further called for investigations into whether any individuals or groups financed, encouraged or coordinated the alleged threats, stressing that anyone found responsible should face the law.
Beyond identifying those involved, CAN urged security agencies to assess the potential security implications of the video and strengthen protection for Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
The association acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), but maintained that such a position should not take the place of an independent investigation by the relevant authorities.
CAN also appealed to religious leaders across the country to condemn statements and activities promoting hostility against people of other faiths.
“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 association said.
The group warned that Nigeria could not afford to treat threats of religious violence lightly, given the country’s history of bloodshed and religious tensions.
It cautioned that failure to investigate the incident could create the impression that threats against citizens on religious grounds would go unpunished.
However, CAN urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies conduct their investigations, warning against retaliation that could worsen religious and social tensions.
“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” Okoh said, reiterating that every Nigerian was entitled to equal protection under the law, irrespective of religious affiliation.
