The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate a viral video allegedly showing children and teenagers chanting threats to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos during Sunday church services.
This was just as the association condemned the footage, which has sparked outrage on social media, and urged the authorities to identify those involved, establish the circumstances surrounding the video and prosecute anyone found culpable.
Politics Nigeria reports that the video reportedly shows a young man leading a group of boys in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in the two locations. The footage also appears to show children and teenagers undergoing marching and paramilitary-style drills under adult supervision.
Hausa-to-English translations of the chants purportedly heard in the video indicate that some participants were demanding AK-47 rifles and calling for attacks on Christian worshippers during Sunday services.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN described the threats as unacceptable, stressing that no Nigerian should fear for their life because of their religious beliefs or face violence for gathering to worship.
“Such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or treated as harmless displays of youthful exuberance. They demand urgent attention and decisive action,” the association said.
CAN described the footage as apparent incitement to religious violence, expressing particular concern over the alleged involvement of children and young people in chants threatening innocent worshippers.
It warned that exposing young people to messages of religious hatred could have serious consequences, adding that the circumstances surrounding the video must be thoroughly investigated.
The association urged the DSS, police and other relevant agencies to establish when and where the footage was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity.
It also called on security agencies to investigate whether individuals or groups financed, encouraged or supported the alleged threats, insisting that anyone found responsible should face the consequences of the law.
CAN further urged the authorities to assess potential security risks 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.
The association also acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
However, it maintained that the organisation’s denial of responsibility should not replace an independent investigation into the origin of the footage, the identities of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the chants.
CAN called on religious leaders across the country to reject teachings, slogans and activities that promote hatred or violence against people of other faiths.
It also urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while security agencies investigate the matter, warning against retaliatory actions that could worsen religious tensions and endanger innocent lives.
The association said the government must demonstrate through concrete action that threats against Nigerians on religious grounds would not be tolerated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, justice and peaceful coexistence, insisting that every Nigerian is entitled to equal protection under the law regardless of religious affiliation.
“The government must act swiftly, investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable,” the statement added.
Similarly, the Northern Christian Association (NCA) has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate the viral video allegedly showing children being indoctrinated to attack Christians.
The chairman of the association, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, said the authenticity, location and circumstances surrounding the footage must be established before conclusions are drawn.
In a statement, Hayab said the uncertainty surrounding the video should prompt a thorough investigation rather than allow the matter to be dismissed or exploited for religious and political purposes.
“Our appeal to government and security agencies is for an honest investigation about this video to confirm if it is authentic,” he said.
“If it is confirmed, then no stone should be left unturned until those behind this evil indoctrination are exposed and brought to justice for brainwashing young Nigerians to think and see each other as enemies.”
The NCA chairman expressed concern over what he described as efforts to indoctrinate young people with hatred against people of other faiths.
He said young Nigerians should be encouraged to pursue education, technology, economic opportunities and peaceful relationships rather than being taught to hate or harm others.
Hayab also urged parents and religious leaders to take greater responsibility for shaping children’s values, stressing that religious teachings should promote love, tolerance and respect for human life.
He called on CAN and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to work together to confront religious extremism and hate speech before they become more deeply entrenched in society.
According to him, the emergence and activities of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups demonstrate the destructive consequences of radicalisation and violent indoctrination.
“Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist organisations started like this, and we all know the damage they caused to our peace, progress and development as a country,” he said.
Hayab urged Nigerians, regardless of their political, regional or religious affiliations, to condemn any attempt to indoctrinate children into violence.
He also called on security agencies to prosecute anyone found responsible if the allegations contained in the video are established.
The NCA chairman further urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s moral upbringing and prevent individuals or religious preachers from exposing them to teachings that could turn them against fellow Nigerians.