By Anan Geolengs
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned threats to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship in a video circulating on social media.
The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Okoh said the video showed a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians.
“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. They demand urgent attention and decisive action,” he said.
He said CAN was particularly alarmed by the apparent involvement of children and young persons in chants threatening the killing of innocent worshippers.
Okoh called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch urgent and thorough investigation to establish when and where the video was recorded and identify those involved.
“We also urge the authorities to assess any credible security risks arising from the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and elsewhere.
“Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation,” he said.
He said CAN noted 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.
Okoh said religious leaders across Nigeria also had responsibility to reject any teaching, slogan or activity that promoted hatred or violence against people of another faith.
He said Nigeria had endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of such 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.
He urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while authorities investigated the matter.
“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. We will continue to speak out against every threat to the lives and rights of Christians and other Nigerians, while insisting that every citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, is entitled to equal protection under the law.
“The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable,” he said.
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