Video threatens Christians during worship in Enugu and Jos
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on ThisDay
The Christian Association of Nigeria has asked security services and police to investigate a viral video threatening Christian worshippers with attacks during Sunday services in Enugu and Jos. Its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called for the people behind the threats and their organisers to be identified, and for the affected churches and communities to be protected.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police to investigate a viral video threatening coordinated attacks on Christians during Sunday worship in Enugu and Jos, ThisDay reports. Its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, warned that the threats should not be dismissed as mere slogans.
CAN is concerned by the presence of boys and young people in the video, in which a young man leads hostile chants. The association has asked investigators to establish when and where the footage was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or funded their appearance. It has also called for a risk assessment and immediate protection for churches and Christian communities in Enugu, Jos and other vulnerable areas.
The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), a Muslim organisation, has denied responsibility for the video. CAN says the denial does not remove the need for an independent investigation and has called for anyone involved to be prosecuted. It has also urged religious leaders to reject rhetoric inciting hatred against other faiths.
CAN’s appeal follows the release of a video threatening Christians in Enugu, which led Amnesty International to call for an investigation. On 26 October, Nigerian senator Shehu Sani also called for the arrest of those behind the threats against Christians.
