Nigeria (CAN) is demanding that safety businesses ought to begin an intensive investigation of a disturbing video circulating on social media through which a younger man is main younger boys in coaching session chanting and calling for AK-47 rifles to assault Christians in Enugu and Jos throughout Sunday worship.
CAN in a press release by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, mentioned the probe ought to set up when and the place the video was recorded, establish these concerned and decide who organised or facilitated the exercise, saying anybody discovered culpable have to be held accountable in accordance with the legislation.
While describing the threats as chilling and totally unacceptable, CAN mentioned no Nigerian ought to need to worry for his or her lives due to their religion or face the prospect of violence merely for gathering to worship God.
Archbishop Okoh mentioned, “Such threats should not be dismissed as mere chants or handled as innocent shows of youthful exuberance. They demand pressing consideration and decisive motion.
“On behalf of CAN, I condemn this obvious incitement to non secular violence. We are notably alarmed by the obvious involvement of kids and younger individuals in chants threatening the killing of harmless worshippers. The chance that younger individuals are being uncovered to or inspired to embrace such hatred raises critical issues that should not be ignored.
“We name on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and different related safety businesses to launch an pressing and thorough investigation to determine when and the place the video was recorded, establish these concerned and decide who organised or facilitated the exercise. Anyone discovered culpable have to be held accountable in accordance with the legislation.
“We additionally urge the authorities to evaluate any credible safety dangers arising from the threats and take applicable measures to guard Christian communities and locations of worship in Enugu, Jos and elsewhere. Nigerians should be capable to attend non secular companies with out worry of assault or intimidation.
“We be aware the reported disavowal of the video by the management of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS). We recognise the significance of creating the information earlier than drawing conclusions about institutional involvement. However, the denial of accountability by any organisation can not substitute an unbiased investigation into the identities of these concerned, the origin of the video and the circumstances surrounding the chants.
“Beyond figuring out these instantly concerned, the investigation ought to set up whether or not any people or teams inspired, financed or facilitated the threats. Those accountable should face the complete penalties of the legislation, with out favour or discrimination.
“Religious leaders throughout Nigeria even have a accountability to reject, unequivocally, any instructing, slogan or exercise that promotes hatred or violence in opposition to folks of one other religion. Young folks ought to be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, not taught to treat fellow residents as enemies to be eradicated due to their non secular beliefs.
“Nigeria has endured an excessive amount of violence, bloodshed and mistrust to deal with threats of this nature frivolously. Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would ship a harmful message that threats in opposition to residents on non secular grounds will be made with out consequence. The authorities should show, by concrete motion, that such intimidation won’t be tolerated.
“We urge Christians to stay calm, vigilant and law-abiding whereas the authorities examine the matter. We should not permit provocation to attract harmless folks into retaliatory actions that would deepen divisions or endanger lives.
“CAN stands for justice, non secular freedom and peaceable coexistence. We will proceed to talk out in opposition to each risk to the lives and rights of Christians and different Nigerians, whereas insisting that each citizen, no matter non secular affiliation, is entitled to equal safety beneath the legislation.
“The government must act swiftly, investigate thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. The safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable.”
Friday Olokor, Abuja
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