The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to launch an urgent investigation into a disturbing video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a young man leading boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos.
The association condemned the alleged threats, describing them as unacceptable and warning that any attempt to incite religious violence must be treated with seriousness. It urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish the origin of the video, identify those involved and determine whether any individuals or groups organised or supported the activity.
In a statement issued by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN stressed that Nigerians must be able to practise their faith without fear of intimidation, violence or attacks on their places of worship.
The association also expressed concern over the apparent involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that exposing minors to messages promoting violence against people of another religion raises serious questions about their welfare and the influences shaping their attitudes.
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CAN Demands Thorough Investigation Into Viral Video
CAN said the authorities should establish when and where the video was recorded and identify the individuals seen participating in the alleged activity.
The association maintained that investigators must go beyond identifying those directly involved and determine whether other people organised, encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats.
According to Archbishop Okoh, the incident should not be dismissed as harmless chanting or youthful exuberance.
He said the nature of the alleged threats requires immediate attention and decisive action from the relevant authorities.
On behalf of the association, Okoh condemned what he described as apparent incitement to religious violence, emphasising that threats against innocent worshippers cannot be treated lightly.
He also called for anyone found responsible to be held accountable under the law, regardless of their position, religious affiliation or connections.
CAN said an independent investigation would be necessary to establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on credible evidence.
Association Raises Concern Over Children Involved in Alleged Threats
One of the association’s major concerns is the apparent participation of children and young people in the video.
Okoh said the possibility that minors are being exposed to, encouraged to embrace or drawn into messages advocating violence against people of another faith demands serious attention.
The association warned that young people should be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than view fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious beliefs.
CAN’s position highlights the importance of examining not only the identities of those appearing in the footage but also the circumstances surrounding the alleged activity.
Investigators, it said, should determine who may have influenced the participants and whether anyone encouraged them to express hostility towards Christian communities.
The association also urged religious leaders across Nigeria to reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
It maintained that religious institutions and community leaders have a responsibility to encourage peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and the protection of human life.
CAN Urges Authorities to Strengthen Security Around Churches
Beyond investigating the video, CAN called on security agencies to assess any credible threats arising from the alleged chants and take appropriate steps to protect Christian communities and places of worship.
The association specifically mentioned Enugu and Jos, the locations identified in the reported threats, while urging authorities to remain attentive to potential risks elsewhere.
Okoh stressed that Nigerians should be able to attend religious services without fearing attacks or intimidation because of their beliefs.
The association said the government must demonstrate its commitment to religious freedom and public safety through concrete action, including a thorough investigation and appropriate security measures where necessary.
CAN also warned that failing to address threats of religious violence could undermine public confidence in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.
It argued that threats directed at people because of their faith should not be allowed to circulate without a serious response from law enforcement agencies.
However, the association’s call for action was accompanied by an appeal for restraint, with Christians urged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while investigations proceed.
Okoh warned against retaliatory actions that could endanger innocent people, deepen religious divisions or create further insecurity.
CAN Acknowledges JIBWIS Disavowal, Calls for Independent Probe
The association also addressed the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
CAN acknowledged the reported denial but stressed that the facts surrounding the footage must be established independently before conclusions are drawn about whether any organisation was involved.
The association said a denial of responsibility by an organisation should not replace a proper investigation into the video’s origin, the identities of the participants and the circumstances in which the chants were recorded.
It also called on investigators to establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the alleged threats.
The position reflects CAN’s demand for accountability based on evidence rather than assumptions about institutional involvement.
By urging an independent investigation, the association said authorities would be better placed to identify those responsible and determine whether any laws had been violated.
The association maintained that anyone found culpable should face the consequences prescribed by law, without favouritism or discrimination.
No conclusion about responsibility should be drawn solely from the video’s reported content or from allegations circulating on social media before the relevant facts have been verified.
Archbishop Okoh Warns Against Religious Intolerance
In his statement, Okoh placed the reported incident within the wider context of religious coexistence and security concerns in Nigeria.
He said the country had experienced too much violence, bloodshed and distrust for threats against people on religious grounds to be ignored.
According to CAN, allowing such conduct to go unchallenged could create the impression that individuals can threaten fellow citizens because of their faith without facing consequences.
The association therefore urged the government to respond in a way that demonstrates that religious intimidation and incitement to violence will not be tolerated.
Okoh reiterated that CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, adding that the association would continue to speak against threats to the lives and rights of Christians and other Nigerians.
He also emphasised that every citizen, irrespective of religious affiliation, is entitled to equal protection under the law.
The association’s appeal extends beyond the immediate investigation, calling for a broader commitment from religious leaders, government institutions and communities to reject messages that encourage violence.
CAN Calls for Calm as Investigation Is Sought
While expressing concern over the video, CAN urged Christians not to respond to the alleged threats with retaliatory violence or actions that could put other people at risk.
The association advised its members to remain vigilant and law-abiding while allowing security agencies to investigate the matter.
It said any response should be guided by the need to protect lives, establish the facts and ensure that justice is pursued through lawful channels.
The appeal for restraint underscores the association’s concern that unverified allegations and inflammatory reactions could worsen existing divisions or trigger further violence.
CAN maintained that the authorities must act swiftly, conduct a thorough investigation and hold anyone found responsible accountable under the law.
The association concluded that the safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must remain fundamental priorities.
As calls for an investigation continue, the central issues are establishing the authenticity and origin of the circulating video, identifying those involved, determining whether anyone facilitated the alleged threats and assessing any genuine security risks to affected communities.
For CAN, a transparent and evidence-based response is essential to protecting religious freedom, maintaining public confidence and reinforcing the principle that every Nigerian deserves equal protection, regardless of faith.
