By Gurara Correspondent
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised the alarm over a viral video allegedly showing a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship, demanding an urgent investigation by security agencies.
CAN described the alleged threats as chilling and unacceptable, warning that no Nigerian should face violence or intimidation because of their religious beliefs.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch an urgent and thorough investigation into the video.
It urged the authorities to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine whether any individuals or groups organised, financed or facilitated the alleged threats.
The association stressed that anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law, without favour or discrimination.
CAN expressed particular concern over the apparent involvement of children and young persons in the chants, warning that exposing young people to messages promoting religious hatred could have serious consequences for national peace and security.
The association also called on 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.
It maintained that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attacks, intimidation or persecution.
While acknowledging the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), CAN said the denial of responsibility by any organisation should not replace an independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
According to the association, the investigation should determine the identities of those involved, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.
CAN further urged religious leaders across the country to unequivocally reject any teaching, slogan or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
It said young Nigerians should be taught to respect human life and the dignity of others rather than regard fellow citizens as enemies because of their religious affiliations.
Warning against the dangers of ignoring such threats, CAN said Nigeria had endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat incitement to religious violence lightly.
It cautioned that failure to address the matter decisively could send a dangerous signal that threats against citizens on religious grounds would go unpunished.
The association, however, appealed to Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while investigations continued, warning against retaliatory actions capable of escalating tensions and endangering innocent lives.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, CAN insisted that every Nigerian, regardless of religious affiliation, deserves equal protection under the law.
It called on the government to act swiftly, investigate the incident thoroughly and hold anyone found responsible accountable, stressing that the safety of Nigerians and freedom of worship must remain non-negotiable.
