The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has condemned calls for violence against Christians following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing youths chanting slogans demanding firearms to attack worshippers in Enugu and Plateau states.
The organisation said it would not support any call to kill or attack people because of their religion, stressing that threats against innocent Nigerians were contrary to its principles and teachings.
The National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, distanced the organisation from the statements in the video and called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable under the law.
The footage reportedly shows a man leading a group of boys and teenagers in marching drills while wearing a uniform associated with the JIBWIS First Aid Group, also known as Yan Agaji. According to translations accompanying the video, some of the chants called for AK-47 rifles to enable the group to travel to Enugu and attack Christians during Sunday church services. Plateau State was also mentioned in reports about the alleged threats.
Reacting to the footage, Bala Lau said the inflammatory statements did not represent the organisation’s official position, teachings or objectives. He cautioned that wearing the group’s uniform or appearing alongside its members did not automatically establish that an individual was authorised to speak or act on behalf of JIBWIS.
The chairman also expressed concern that the video could be an attempt to damage the organisation’s reputation and undermine peaceful coexistence. He urged security agencies to establish the identities and affiliations of those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the recording.
The First Aid Group’s National Director-General, Mustapha Imam Sitti, also reportedly disowned the individual in the footage, stating that the remarks did not reflect the group’s position. The group said the individual had previously been discharged following disciplinary action and was no longer recognised as a member, although the circumstances surrounding the video remain subject to investigation.
JIBWIS further highlighted its efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, including an international conference in Abuja attended by Christian leaders and Muslim scholars. Bala Lau maintained that the organisation remained committed to Islamic teachings, education, humanitarian services and peaceful relations among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria called for an immediate and independent investigation, expressing concern that children and teenagers may have been exposed to rhetoric promoting religious hatred and violence. The organisation urged authorities to identify those responsible, investigate the activities depicted in the footage and ensure that children involved receive appropriate protection and support.
As public reactions to the video continue, the identities of those appearing in it and the circumstances under which it was recorded remain important questions for investigators. Reports that the footage may have been recorded years earlier have not been independently confirmed.
JIBWIS has urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims while security agencies investigate the incident. The organisation reiterated its rejection of threats against any community and called for those responsible for inciting violence to face the law.
Post a Comment