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 a young man leading a group of boys in chants threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos, Plateau State.
The association also demanded that anyone found responsible for the alleged threats be prosecuted in accordance with the law, warning that the video should not be dismissed as harmless chants or youthful exuberance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN condemned what it described as apparent incitement to religious violence, expressing concern over the involvement of children and young people in chants threatening worshippers.
The video, which circulated widely on social media from Monday, reportedly shows a young man leading boys in marching drills while chanting in Hausa and calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians attending church services on Sundays in Enugu and Jos.
Translations accompanying the footage indicate that the chants contain threats against Christian worshippers, with references to opening fire on them while they are praying. The participants are seen wearing uniforms associated with the First Aid Group, the humanitarian and volunteer service arm of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as ’Yan Agaji.
CAN said the alleged threats required urgent attention, stressing that no Nigerian should fear for their safety because of their religious beliefs. “The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored,” Okoh said.
The association urged security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised, sponsored or facilitated the activity. It also called on the authorities to assess potential security risks arising from the threats and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country. CAN further insisted that anyone found culpable should face the consequences of the law without favour or discrimination.
The association acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by JIBWIS leadership but maintained that such a denial should not replace an independent investigation. “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,” it said.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has condemned the alleged threats and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and identify those responsible. Bala Lau said the organisation dissociated itself from the statements in the video, describing threats and calls for violence against any community as contrary to its principles and objectives.
He also cautioned against concluding that the individuals featured in the footage were acting on behalf of JIBWIS simply because they appeared in uniforms associated with its First Aid Group.
Amnesty International Nigeria has also called for an immediate and independent investigation into the footage, describing the alleged chants as an example of children being exposed to religious hatred and violent rhetoric. The organisation urged security agencies to investigate the source and location of the video, identify those responsible for organising the activity and examine the messages being taught during the youth exercises.
It further called for appropriate protection and support for the children involved, warning against exposing minors to hateful rhetoric and activities that could encourage violence. The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, with Nigerians calling on the authorities to establish the facts and hold anyone responsible accountable.
Also, the northern Christian association has similarly urged security agencies to investigate the video, verify its authenticity and establish whether the statements attributed to the participants were accurately translated. The association’s chairman, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, described the matter as a potential security concern that should not be reduced to a religious controversy.
As calls for an investigation continue, CAN urged Christian and Muslim leaders to reject teachings and activities that promote hatred against people of other faiths. The association stressed that religious differences should not become a basis for threats, intimidation or violence, insisting that Nigerians must be able to worship freely and safely.