CAN Demands Probe Of Video Showing Boys Chanting Threats Against Christians
The association described the chants as “chilling and utterly unacceptable,” demanding that those behind the threats be identified and prosecuted if found culpable.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. Facebook/Christian Association of Nigeria – CAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants advocating attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
The association described the chants as “chilling and utterly unacceptable,” demanding that those behind the threats be identified and prosecuted if found culpable.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on behalf of the national leadership, CAN said Nigerians must be able to practise their faith without fear of attacks or intimidation.
The association warned against dismissing the chants as youthful exuberance, insisting that the threats required urgent investigation and decisive action.
It also expressed concern over the involvement of children and young people in the video, warning that exposing them to messages promoting religious hatred and violence could have serious consequences.
CAN urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity.
It further called for an investigation into whether any individuals or groups financed or encouraged the threats, insisting that anyone found responsible must face the law.
The association also urged security agencies to assess potential 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.
While acknowledging the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), CAN maintained that the position of the organisation should not replace an independent investigation.
It also called on religious leaders across the country to condemn messages promoting hostility against people of other faiths and teach young people to respect human life and the rights of fellow citizens.
“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,” the association said.
CAN warned that Nigeria could not afford to treat threats of religious violence lightly, given the country’s history of bloodshed and religious tensions. It said failure to investigate the incident could create the impression that threats against citizens on religious grounds would go unpunished.
The association, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the video, cautioning against retaliation that could worsen religious and social tensions.
“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” Okoh said, stressing that every Nigerian was entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation.
The association called on the government to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that anyone found responsible was held accountable, adding that the safety of Nigerians and their freedom to worship must remain non-negotiable.
