CAN Demands Investigation Into Video Inciting Violence Against Christians

Security agencies have been urged by the Christian Association of Nigeria to investigate a video spreading across social media platforms. The footage depicts young people reciting threats targeting Christians in Enugu and Jos.

A young man allegedly leads boys in calls for armed assaults on Christian congregations during Sunday services. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh issued a statement condemning what he described as unacceptable content and demanding swift law enforcement response.

The Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and additional security bodies received requests from Okoh to identify participants involved in producing and sharing the video. Those found culpable of inciting religious violence should face prosecution, he insisted.

Okoh cautioned against treating the threats as insignificant or as standard youthful conduct. CAN's leadership raised particular concerns about children and teenagers appearing in the footage, warning of potential indoctrination and radicalization risks among youth.

Separately, the Northern Christian Association called upon the federal government to conduct an investigation. Rev. John Joseph Hayab, leading the NCA, advocated for establishing the video's accuracy, where it originated and the broader circumstances before reaching any conclusions.

The footage appears to show children and teenagers engaged in coordinated drills and marching under adult direction. A comprehensive and impartial inquiry was deemed essential by Hayab.

The video gained extensive circulation on social media and sparked considerable public outrage. Various accounts reference youths dressed in uniforms associated with certain organizations, though specifics differ between reports.

CAN stressed that Nigerians deserve protection from violence motivated by religious identity. Enhanced security at Christian places of worship nationwide was called for by the association.

Dialogue emphasizing mutual respect and harmonious relations among followers of different faiths received renewed advocacy from the group.