The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned a disturbing video circulating on social media in which a young man leads a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
it also urged the government to act swiftly, investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. Insisting that safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable.
The Christian body made the call in a statement signed by it’s President Archbishop Daniel Okoh made available to Church Times on Tuesday October 27.
It described the threats as shown in the video as chilling and utterly unacceptable.” adding that “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.”
While condemning the incitement to religious violence the body expressed worry at the involvement of children and young persons in the chants “The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.” The statement reads.
It called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch an urgent and thorough investigation to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity. “Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law.” The body insists.
CAN 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.” The body stated
Despite the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) CAN states that such denial cannot replace an independent investigation into the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants
The investigation according to CAN “should establish whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law, without favour or discrimination.”
CAN further pleased with religious leaders across Nigeria to reject, unequivocally, any teaching, slogan or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of another faith.
“Young people should be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, not taught to regard fellow citizens as enemies to be eliminated because of their religious beliefs.” The body states
While noting that Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly, it states, “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.”
The statement also urges Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the matter. “We must not allow provocation to draw innocent people into retaliatory actions that could deepen divisions or endanger lives.”