As Nigerians continue to prepare for the forthcoming 2027 general elections, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has warned against actions that could deepen the already strained relations among people of different faiths.
“We must not allow provocation to draw innocent people into retaliatory actions that could deepen divisions or endanger lives.
“Young people should be raised to respect human life and the dignity of others, not taught to regard fellow citizens as enemies to be eliminated because of their religious beliefs,” CAN said in a statement signed by its president Daniel Okoh, in response to the threat to kill Christians in a viral video.
CAN urged Christians across the country to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the matter. It also noted that Nigeria has endured too much violence, bloodshed and distrust to treat threats of this nature lightly,
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“Allowing such conduct to go unchallenged would send a dangerous message that threats against citizens on religious grounds can be made without consequence. The government must demonstrate, through concrete action, that such intimidation will not be tolerated.”
According to CAN, No Nigerian should have to fear for their life because of their faith or face the prospect of violence simply for gathering to worship, in response to the social media video in which a group of boys were seen chanting and calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos.
“Such threats must not be dismissed as mere chants or treated as harmless displays of youthful exuberance. They demand urgent attention and decisive action,” CAN stated, urging the government to act swiftly, through thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
The Christian body insisted that safety of Nigerians and the freedom to worship must never be negotiable, and that Nigerians must be able to attend religious services without fear of attack or intimidation. “The possibility that young people are being exposed to or encouraged to embrace such hatred raises serious concerns that must not be ignored.”
Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
