The Christian Association of Nigeria has urged security agencies to investigate a viral video in which youths were seen chanting threats against Christians in Enugu and Jos, warning that the incident should not be dismissed as youthful exuberance.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, describing the threats as unacceptable and insisting that anyone found responsible for inciting religious violence must face the law.
The video, which circulated on social media on Monday, showed youths wearing uniforms associated with the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah participating in a marching exercise while chanting statements threatening Christians during Sunday worship.
One of the youths was heard calling for an AK-47 rifle and threatening to shoot people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos.
Reacting to the footage, Okoh expressed concern over the threats, stressing that no Nigerian should be subjected to violence or intimidation 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 an urgent investigation, with Okoh expressing particular concern about the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants.
He warned that exposing young people to messages promoting religious hatred required immediate attention.
Okoh said CAN wanted the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish the origin of the video, determine when and where it was recorded, identify those involved and investigate whether other individuals or groups facilitated the activity.
“Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Okoh said.
He also urged security agencies to assess the seriousness of the threats and take appropriate steps to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
According to him, Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of violence or intimidation.
The CAN president’s reaction followed reports that the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah had disassociated itself from the video.
While acknowledging the reported denial, Okoh maintained that an independent investigation remained necessary to establish the facts and determine the circumstances surrounding 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.
“However, 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,” he said.
The association also called for investigations into whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the alleged threats, arguing that accountability should not be limited to those captured in the footage.
Okoh appealed to religious leaders across the country to reject teachings, slogans and activities that encourage hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
He urged them to teach young people the importance of respecting human life and the dignity of others, rather than treating fellow Nigerians as enemies because of their religious affiliations.
“Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly. Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence. The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated,” he said.
The CAN president also appealed to Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the investigation continued, cautioning against retaliatory actions that could heighten tensions and put innocent lives at risk.
The video has also triggered calls for an investigation from Amnesty International Nigeria and the religious organisation, according to reports surrounding the incident.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, insisting that every Nigerian deserved equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation.
“The government must act swiftly, investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable,” Okoh added.
