A viral video allegedly showing a group of young men chanting threats of violence against people in Enugu and Jos has sparked concern and renewed calls for security agencies to investigate possible religiously motivated threats in Nigeria.
The footage, circulating on social media, appears to show uniformed youths marching and singing in Hausa. A man leading the chant is reportedly heard calling for an AK-47 rifle and describing plans to attack people attending Sunday worship in Enugu and later target people in Jos.
The individuals have been described in media reports as being associated with the Agaji volunteer wing of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), commonly known as Izala. However, their identities and official affiliation have not been independently confirmed.
What the Video Allegedly Shows
According to translations shared alongside the footage, the chant includes references to obtaining an AK-47 and attacking people described by the speaker as “infidels.”
The lyrics reportedly mention Enugu, where the speaker refers to people worshipping on a Sunday, before making a further reference to travelling to Jos to kill more people.
The recording has triggered concern because the words, if accurately translated and understood in context, appear to invoke violence against people based on their religious identity.
The precise date and location of the recording remain unverified.
Calls for Security Agencies to Investigate
The video has circulated widely online, with social media users urging the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force to establish who appears in the footage and determine whether the statements constitute a credible threat.
Reports also indicate that Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, drew attention to the clip and called on security agencies to investigate.
Authorities would need to establish the authenticity and context of the recording, identify the individuals involved and assess whether any immediate security risk exists.
As of the reports available, an official response from the security agencies had not been confirmed.
JIBWIS Affiliation Remains Unverified
Although the clothing seen in the video has been associated in media reports with the JIBWIS First Aid Group, the uniforms alone do not establish that the individuals are registered members or that the activity was authorised by the organisation’s leadership.
It is also important to distinguish between the alleged statements of individuals in the footage and the wider religious organisation or Muslim community.
Any confirmed threats against people because of their faith would warrant appropriate investigation and lawful action, regardless of the identity or affiliation of those responsible.
Public Safety and Religious Tolerance
Nigeria continues to face security challenges in several regions, making credible threats against religious communities a matter of public concern.
Residents of Enugu and Jos deserve protection from violence, just as people across the country have the right to worship without intimidation or fear.
Security agencies are being urged to establish the facts surrounding the footage and take any necessary action based on verified evidence.
Editorial note: The video’s recording date and location, the identities of the participants, their official affiliation with JIBWIS and any formal response from the organisation or security agencies remain unconfirmed in the reports reviewed.
