CAN condemns threats to attack Christians in Enugu, Jos

• demands DSS, police probe viral video, protect churches

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned a viral video showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the threats as chilling and unacceptable, demanding an urgent investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Okoh urged the authorities to establish the origin of the video, identify those involved and determine whether individuals or groups organised, financed or facilitated the alleged incitement to religious violence.

He warned that the threats should not be dismissed as mere chants or harmless displays of youthful exuberance, insisting that they required urgent attention and decisive action.

“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,” he said.

The CAN president expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants threatening the killing of innocent worshippers.

According to him, the possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace religious hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.

He called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.

Okoh also urged the authorities to assess any credible security risks arising from the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

He maintained that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack, intimidation or persecution on account of their religious beliefs.

On the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), the CAN president said the facts surrounding the incident must be independently established before conclusions are drawn about institutional involvement.

He, however, stressed that the denial of responsibility by any organisation should not prevent security agencies from investigating the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.

“Beyond identifying those directly involved, the investigation should establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats,” he said.

Okoh insisted that those found responsible must face the full consequences of the law, without favour or discrimination.

He also called on religious leaders across the country to unequivocally reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.

According to him, young Nigerians should be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than regard fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.

The CAN president warned that Nigeria had endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly.

He said failure to address the incident decisively could send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds could be made without consequences.

“The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated,” he said.

While urging Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding as investigations proceed, Okoh cautioned against retaliatory actions that could deepen religious divisions or endanger innocent lives.

He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the association would continue to speak out against threats to the lives and rights of Christians and other Nigerians.

The CAN president further maintained that every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation, was entitled to equal protection under the law.

He urged the government to act swiftly, investigate the alleged threats thoroughly and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice. “The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable,” he said.

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