The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for an urgent security investigation into a disturbing viral video showing young people allegedly threatening to attack Christians during Sunday church services in Enugu and Jos.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, condemned the footage on Tuesday, warning that threats of religious violence must be treated as serious security concerns rather than dismissed as harmless statements.
The controversial recording, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a young man leading a group of boys in chants reportedly demanding AK-47 rifles to carry out attacks against Christian worshippers.
The video specifically mentions Enugu State and Jos, the Plateau State capital, raising concerns about the safety of religious communities and worship centres.
Okoh urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to establish the circumstances surrounding the recording and identify those responsible for the threatening statements.
He maintained that Nigerians must be free to practise their religion without intimidation, harassment or fear of violence.
CAN Calls for Identification and Prosecution of Suspects
The CAN president said security agencies should determine where and when the footage was recorded, identify the individuals involved and establish whether anyone organised, sponsored or encouraged the activity.
He stressed that individuals found responsible for promoting religious violence should face appropriate legal consequences, regardless of their background or affiliation.
According to Okoh, the threats deserve particular attention because they specifically reference attacks during Christian worship services.
He also called for an assessment of possible security risks to churches and other religious gathering places, particularly in communities mentioned in the video.
The Christian leader said the authorities must demonstrate their commitment to protecting lives by responding decisively to credible threats against religious groups.
CAN Raises Alarm Over Children’s Involvement
Beyond the security implications, Okoh expressed concern about the participation of children and young people in the controversial chants.
He warned that exposing minors to messages encouraging religious hatred could have lasting consequences for peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The CAN president urged religious leaders and community organisations to reject teachings that encourage hostility towards people of other faiths.
He emphasised the importance of raising young Nigerians to respect human dignity, religious differences and the sanctity of life.
Islamic Organisation JIBWIS Denies Involvement
The controversy has also drawn a response from Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), an Islamic religious organisation commonly known as Izala.
Individuals appearing in the video are dressed in uniforms resembling those associated with the organisation’s First Aid Group, popularly known as Yan Agaji.
However, JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, has publicly rejected the threatening statements and called for an independent investigation.
Bala-Lau maintained that the organisation does not support religious intimidation or violence and argued that wearing its uniform does not automatically establish official membership or authorisation.
He urged security agencies to identify those behind the recording and determine their motives.
The organisation also raised the possibility that the footage could have been intended to damage its reputation, although that claim has not been independently established.
Amnesty International Demands Action
Amnesty International Nigeria has similarly expressed concern over the video, particularly the apparent involvement of children in chants promoting violence.
The human rights organisation called for an independent investigation into the recording, including the identities of those involved and the circumstances under which the activity took place.
Amnesty also urged authorities to protect children from exposure to violent extremism and ensure that those responsible for encouraging hatred are held accountable.
CAN Urges Christians to Remain Calm
Despite the controversy, Archbishop Okoh appealed to Christians across Nigeria to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the incident.
He cautioned against reprisals or actions capable of worsening religious tensions.
The CAN president reiterated the association’s commitment to religious freedom, justice and peaceful relations among Nigerians of different beliefs.
He maintained that the government has a responsibility to protect every citizen equally and ensure that places of worship remain safe.
The precise location and date of the recording, as well as the identities and organisational affiliations of those involved, remain unverified in the reporting reviewed.
No evidence has been established that the threats resulted in an actual attack or that a specific attack has been planned.
