CAN Condemns Threats To Kill Christians In Viral Video, Demands Swift Action

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

CAN described the threats as “chilling and utterly unacceptable,” urging security agencies to investigate the video urgently, identify those involved and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on behalf of the association’s national leadership, CAN said no Nigerian should be made to fear for their life because of their faith or for gathering to worship.

The association said the threats should not be dismissed as mere chants or youthful exuberance, stressing that they required urgent attention and decisive action.

CAN expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that their exposure to messages promoting hatred and violence against people of another faith raised serious concerns.

The Christian body called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation to determine when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and establish who organised or facilitated the activity.

It also urged the authorities to determine whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats, insisting that anyone found responsible should face the full consequences of the law.

CAN further called on security agencies to assess any credible security 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.

The association noted the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS). Still, it said the denial should not substitute for an independent investigation.

“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,” CAN said.

It urged religious leaders to ensure that young people were taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than regard fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.

CAN warned that Nigeria had endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of religious violence lightly, saying failure to act could create the impression that threats against citizens on religious grounds could be made with impunity.

The association, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the matter, warning against retaliatory actions that could further deepen religious and social tensions.

“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” Okoh said, stressing that every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation, was entitled to equal protection under the law.

The association called on the government to act swiftly, investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable, declaring that the safety of Nigerians and freedom to worship must never be negotiable.