-
CAN condemns a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos.
-
Association urges DSS and police to identify those involved, establish where the video was recorded and investigate possible sponsors.
-
CAN demands urgent security measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship nationwide.
-
President Daniel Okoh cautions against retaliation, urging religious leaders to reject incitement and calling for those responsible to face the law.
October 27, (THEWILL) – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos, demanding an immediate investigation and stronger security for Christian communities and places of worship across the country.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the threats as unacceptable and urging security agencies to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the video.
Okoh called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident, determine when and where the video was recorded, and establish who organised the activity.
He said the apparent incitement to religious violence required urgent and decisive action, warning that the threats should not be dismissed as mere chants or youthful exuberance.
“No Nigerian should fear for their life because of their faith”, he said.
The CAN president expressed particular concern over the involvement of children and young persons in the threats, saying their exposure to messages promoting hatred against other religious groups raised serious issues that must not be ignored.
He urged security agencies to identify the individuals featured in the video and investigate whether anyone encouraged, financed or facilitated the activity.
Okoh insisted that anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law, stressing that those responsible should face the full consequences of their actions without discrimination.
He also called on the authorities to assess the security risks arising from the threats and take immediate steps to protect Christian communities and places of worship.
According to him, Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attacks, intimidation or violence.
On the reported disavowal of the video by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Okoh said it was important to establish the facts before drawing conclusions about any institution’s involvement.
He, however, maintained that the denial of responsibility by any organisation could not replace an independent investigation into the incident.
The CAN president said the investigation must determine the identities of those involved and establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged or facilitated the threats.
READ ALSO:
He warned that failure to address such conduct could send a dangerous message that threats of religious violence would be tolerated.
Okoh urged the government to demonstrate through concrete action that intimidation and threats against Nigerians on the basis of their religious beliefs would not be tolerated.
He also called on religious leaders to unequivocally reject teachings that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
According to him, young people should be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
“Nigeria has endured too much violence for such threats to be treated lightly”, he said, warning against allowing the incident to go unchallenged.
The CAN president urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the video.
He cautioned against retaliatory actions that could deepen religious divisions or endanger lives, reiterating the association’s commitment to justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
Okoh stressed that every Nigerian deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation, adding that the safety of citizens and their freedom to worship must never be negotiable.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
