The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind a viral video showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh made the call in a statement on Tuesday, describing the threats as chilling and unacceptable.
The association urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the video, establish where and when it was recorded, identify those involved and determine whether any individuals or groups organised, financed or facilitated the activity.
Okoh warned that the threats must not be dismissed as harmless chants or youthful exuberance, stressing that no Nigerian should face violence or intimidation because of their religious beliefs.
He said: “Such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or treated as harmless displays of youthful exuberance. They demand urgent attention and decisive action.”
Okoh expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that their exposure to messages promoting religious hatred raised serious concerns.
“The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.”
He urged security agencies to assess credible threats arising from the video and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
Okoh also acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), but insisted that an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts.
“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.”
The CAN President maintained that beyond identifying those directly involved, investigators must establish whether other individuals or groups encouraged or facilitated the threats.
“Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law, without favour or discrimination,” he added.
Okoh also called on religious leaders across the country to 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.
“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.”
Warning against the consequences of ignoring such threats, Okoh said Nigeria had endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat incitement to religious violence lightly.
He said failure to investigate and address the incident could encourage the belief that threats against citizens on religious grounds would go unpunished.
“The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated.”
Okoh, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the matter, warning against retaliatory actions that could worsen religious tensions or endanger lives.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, insisting that every Nigerian was entitled to 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,” he said.