CAN Demands Probe Into Video Of Youths Threatening Christians

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing youths chanting threats of violence against Christians in Enugu and Jos.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.

He warned that the threats must not be dismissed as harmless youthful exuberance.

He called for the prosecution of anyone found responsible for inciting religious violence.

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 (JIBWIS) participating in a marching exercise while advocating attacks on Christians during Sunday worship.

In the footage, a man’s voice was heard calling for AK-47 rifle and threatening to open fire on people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos.

Reacting to the video, Okoh described the threats as alarming and unacceptable, saying no Nigerian should face violence 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,” he said.

Okoh also expressed concern over the involvement of children and young people in the chants. He warned that their exposure to messages promoting religious hatred required urgent attention.

He said CAN had called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, establish where and when the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine whether others organised or facilitated the activity.

The CAN president also urged security agencies to assess the credibility of the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

He said Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.

Meanwhile, JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has reportedly denied the organisation’s involvement in the video and condemned the threats.

It also called on the DSS, the police and other security agencies to investigate the footage.

Okoh acknowledged the denial but said it should not replace an independent investigation.

“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.

CAN further called for an investigation into whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the alleged threats, arguing that accountability should extend beyond those seen in the footage.

Okoh urged religious leaders across the country to reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths. He also called for young people to be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than view fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.

“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 urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding. He warned against retaliatory actions that could escalate tensions and endanger innocent lives.

Amnesty International Nigeria and other religious organisations have also called for an investigation into the video.