The National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has urged security agencies to investigate a viral video allegedly showing a man in the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform calling for attacks in Enugu and Plateau states. The video, which has sparked widespread concern, reportedly shows a man chanting statements calling for the provision of AK-47 rifles to enable participants to travel to Enugu and attack people there.
According to reports, an English translation circulating alongside the footage indicates that the speaker called for an AK-47 rifle to attack Enugu, describing it as “the land of the infidels.” The translated chant reportedly refers to opening fire on people while they are worshipping on Sunday before travelling to Jos, Plateau State, to kill more people described as “infidels.” Although reports have emerged suggesting that the video may have been doctored or taken out of context, investigations into its origin and the circumstances surrounding its circulation are ongoing.
Sheikh Bala Lau, on Monday, condemned the footage and dissociated the organisation from the inflammatory statements, stressing that threats of violence and intimidation against any community were inconsistent with JIBWIS principles, teachings and objectives. He emphasised that wearing the uniform of the JIBWIS First Aid Group or appearing among its members did not automatically establish that an individual was acting on behalf of the organisation or with its authorisation.
The JIBWIS chairman urged 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 brought to justice in accordance with the law. He also expressed concern that the footage could be used to misrepresent JIBWIS and damage its reputation.
Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, Sheikh Bala Lau cited a recent international conference organised by JIBWIS in Abuja, which brought together Christian leaders, Muslim scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, prominent personalities and participants from different parts of the world. The conference sought to promote interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
According to the statement, JIBWIS had, throughout its approximately 48 years of existence, focused on the propagation of Islamic teachings, the promotion of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), moral reformation, education and humanitarian services. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence among people, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or geographical backgrounds.
Sheikh Bala Lau questioned how an organisation that had invested resources and institutional efforts in building bridges across religious and ethnic divides could reasonably be associated with statements advocating violence against fellow Nigerians. The chairman urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recording, including the identity, affiliation and possible motives of those involved.
Key points
- JIBWIS chairman Sheikh Bala Lau calls for investigation into viral video threatening Enugu, Plateau
- JIBWIS dissociates itself from inflammatory statements in viral video
- Organisation reaffirms commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue
