By Divine Sam

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 incident should not be dismissed as mere youthful exuberance.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the demand in a statement on Tuesday, condemning the alleged threats and urging authorities to prosecute anyone found guilty of inciting religious violence.

The video, which circulated on social media on Monday, reportedly 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 while chanting statements calling for attacks on Christians during Sunday worship.

One of the participants was heard demanding an AK-47 rifle and threatening to shoot people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos.

Reacting to the footage, Okoh described the threats as alarming and unacceptable, stressing that no Nigerian should be exposed to violence because of their religious beliefs.

“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,” CAN said.

The association called for an urgent response from the authorities, with the CAN president expressing particular concern over the apparent participation of children and young people in the chants. He warned that exposing young people to messages promoting religious hatred required immediate attention.

Okoh urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to establish the origin of the video, determine when and where it was recorded, identify those involved and investigate whether other individuals or groups organised or supported the activity.

“Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Okoh said.

He further called on security agencies to assess the seriousness of the threats and take appropriate steps to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.

According to him, Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of intimidation or attack.

CAN’s demand followed reports that the leadership of JIBWIS had distanced itself from the video. However, Okoh insisted that the reported denial should not replace an independent investigation.

“We note 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.

The Christian body also called for investigations into whether any individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the alleged threats, emphasising that accountability should extend beyond those seen in the footage.

Okoh urged religious l