The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has demanded an urgent investigation into a viral video showing a group of boys chanting for the use of AK-47 rifles against Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday worship.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
TheFact Daily reports that CAN’s call comes despite the reported denial of involvement by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
The association said the denial should not replace an independent investigation into the origin of the video and the identities of those involved.
“Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Okoh said, adding that investigators should determine whether individuals or groups encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats.
He said the video should not be dismissed as youthful exuberance, urging the Department of State Services (DSS), police and other security agencies to identify those involved and establish who organised or facilitated the chants.
“We are particularly alarmed by the apparent involvement of children and young persons in chants threatening the killing of innocent worshippers,” Okoh said
CAN also urged security agencies to assess possible risks to churches and Christian communities in Enugu, Jos and elsewhere, while appealing to Christians to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
Okoh warned that Nigeria could not afford to ignore threats capable of deepening religious tension.
“The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable,” he said.
