This condemnation was contained in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), to journalists on Tuesday.
BusinessDay had reported that the video, which has sparked outrage on social media, shows a young man leading a group of boys in marching drills while making statements threatening people attending church services on Sundays.
The footage shows the participants wearing uniforms associated with the First Aid Group, the humanitarian and volunteer service arm of JIBWIS, commonly known as ‘Yan Agaji’.
According to the CAN scribe, 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. They demand urgent attention and decisive action.
‘On behalf of CAN, I condemn this apparent incitement to religious violence. We are particularly alarmed by the apparent involvement of children and young persons in chants threatening the killing of innocent worshippers. The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.
‘We call on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to launch an urgent and thorough investigation to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity. Anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law. Nigerian Banking Launch
‘We also urge the authorities to assess any credible security risks arising from the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and elsewhere. Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.
‘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 concluding 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.
‘Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly. Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence. The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated.’
CAN reiterated its stance on justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. We will continue to speak out against every threat to the lives and rights of Christians and other Nigerians, while insisting that every citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, is entitled to equal protection under the law.
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.Buy Maps