The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked security agencies to investigate a viral video in which youths are heard chanting threats of violence against Christians in Enugu and Jos.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday, warning that the threats should not be dismissed as harmless youthful exuberance. He also demanded the prosecution of anyone found to have incited religious violence.
The video, which surfaced on social media on Monday, shows youths in uniforms associated with the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) taking part in a marching exercise. In the footage, a man’s voice is heard calling for an AK-47 rifle and threatening to open fire on people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos, with the attacks said to target Sunday worship.
Okoh described the threats as alarming and said no Nigerian should face violence because of their faith.
“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.
He also raised concern over the involvement of children and young people in the chants, warning that their exposure to messages of religious hatred requires urgent attention.
According to him, CAN has asked the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to establish where and when the video was recorded, identify those involved, and determine whether others organised or facilitated the activity.
Okoh also urged security agencies to assess the credibility of the threats and take steps to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country. Nigerians, he said, 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. The group also called on the DSS, police and other agencies to investigate the footage.
Okoh acknowledged the denial but insisted it cannot substitute for an independent probe.
“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 go beyond those seen in the footage.
The CAN president urged religious leaders to reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths. He also asked that young people be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others, rather than see fellow citizens as enemies because of their religion.
“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.
Okoh urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, cautioning 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.
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