By PHILOMINA ATTAH

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned threats to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos in a viral video.

CAN also demanded swift investigation and protection of Christian communities and places of worship across the country.

The condemnation is contained in a statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Tuesday Abuja.

Okoh said the video showed a young man leading boys chanting for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians during Sunday worship.

He described the threats as chilling, unacceptable and requiring urgent and decisive action.

“No Nigerian should fear for their life because of their faith,” Okoh said.

He said such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or youthful exuberance.

The CAN president condemned the apparent incitement to religious violence in the video.

He expressed alarm over the involvement of children and young persons in the threats.

He said exposing young people to such hatred raised serious concerns that must not be ignored.

Okoh called on the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident.

He urged security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded.

He also urged them to identify those involved and determine who organised the activity.

He said anyone found culpable must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Okoh urged authorities to assess security risks arising from the threats and protect worship centres.

He said Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation.

He noted the reported disavowal of the video by Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).

He said establishing facts before concluding on institutional involvement was important.

He, however, said denial by any organisation could not replace independent investigation into the incident.

The president said investigation should establish whether anyone encouraged, financed or facilitated the threats.

Okoh stressed that those responsible must face full consequences of the law without discrimination.

He urged religious leaders to unequivocally reject teachings promoting hatred or violence against other faiths.

Okoh said young people should be raised to respect human life and dignity of others.

He said Nigeria had endured too much violence to treat such threats lightly.

He warned that allowing such conduct unchallenged would send a dangerous message.

He said government must demonstrate through concrete action that such intimidation would not be tolerated.

Okoh urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while authorities investigate.

He cautioned against retaliatory actions that could deepen divisions or endanger lives.

He reiterated that CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

He said every citizen, regardless of religious affiliation, deserves equal protection under the law.

He added that safety of Nigerians and freedom to worship must never be negotiable. (NAN, but headline rejigged)