Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to instantly probe a viral video threatening coordinated assaults on Christians throughout Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos.
In the disturbing footage, a younger man is seen main a bunch of boys in chants, vowing to assault Christian worshippers.
Condemning the video, in a press release, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated the menace should not be handled as empty chant.
Okoh warned that each Nigerian had the correct to worship with out worry of assault.
CAN stated it was notably alarmed that youngsters and younger individuals have been deployed to concern the threats.
“The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored,” Okoh stated.
The apex Christian physique tasked safety companies to set up the precise time and placement the place the video was recorded, unmask all these concerned, and uncover who organised and bankrolled it.
It demanded a safety danger evaluation and quick safety for church buildings and Christian communities in Enugu, Jos, and different flashpoints.
CAN acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by the management of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, JIBWIS, however insisted a disclaimer was not sufficient.
“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,” CAN acknowledged.
The affiliation demanded that investigators decide whether or not the threats have been sponsored or facilitated by any particular person or group, and anybody discovered culpable should be prosecuted with out favour.
It additionally charged spiritual leaders to reject all teachings that incited hatred in opposition to different faiths, warning in opposition to indoctrinating younger Nigerians to see fellow residents as enemies on spiritual grounds.
“Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence,” CAN warned.
