The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing youths chanting threats of violence against Christians in Enugu and Jos, warning that the threats must not be dismissed as harmless youthful exuberance.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday. He condemned the video and demanded that anyone found responsible for inciting religious violence be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The video, which circulated on social media on Monday, showed youths wearing uniforms associated with the First Aid Group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) participating in a marching exercise. They chanted statements advocating attacks on Christians during Sunday worship.
One of the participants was heard calling for an AK-47 rifle and threatening to open fire on people described as “infidels” in Enugu and Jos.Reacting to the footage, Okoh described the threats as chilling and utterly unacceptable. He insisted 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,” CAN said in the statement.The association urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those featured in it, and determine any individuals or groups that may have organised or facilitated the activity.
It also called for an assessment of any credible security threats and measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.While noting the reported disavowal of the video by JIBWIS leadership, CAN stressed that an independent investigation remained necessary to establish the facts.
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