Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the national chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), has called on security agencies to investigate a viral video showing a man in the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform chanting threats of attacks on people in Enugu and Jos.
Religion Journalism Foundation (RJF) had earlier reported the viral video, which shows a group of young men jogging in formation while chanting in Hausa and calling for AK-47 rifles to attack people they describe as “infidels” in the two cities. The chants also refer to attacking people during Sunday worship.
In a statement issued by JIBWIS, Bala Lau condemned the remarks and urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant agencies to identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The Islamic leader distanced the organisation from the statements, saying that threats of violence against any community were contrary to its principles and objectives.
He also cautioned against assuming that the individuals in the video were acting on behalf of JIBWIS simply because they wore the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform.
“Wearing the uniform of the JIBWIS First Aid Group or appearing among its members does not automatically establish that an individual is acting on behalf of the organisation or with its authorisation,” the statement said.
Bala Lau expressed concern that the incident could be an attempt by individuals or external interests to misrepresent JIBWIS and damage its reputation. He urged security agencies to investigate the identities, affiliations and possible motives of those involved.
The chairman also cited the organisation’s recent international conference in Abuja, which brought together Christian leaders, Muslim scholars from different Islamic schools of thought and other participants to promote interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He said JIBWIS had spent about 48 years promoting Islamic teachings, education, humanitarian services and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
