By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau
The Zamfara State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a viral video allegedly showing a young man chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.
The video, which has circulated on social media, reportedly shows the individual dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, chanting the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”
The individual was also seen in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing journalists at the Police Command headquarters in Gusau, the Commissioner of Police, CP A. M. Bello, said the command immediately deployed its intelligence resources following the emergence of the video to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the commissioner, preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.
Bello identified the schools linked to the incident as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
He said the police command had engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at both national and state levels following the incident. The organisation, he added, had distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.
The commissioner disclosed that the suspect was apprehended by JIBWIS and subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
He identified the suspect as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a Nigerian citizen from Maradun Local Government Area, who was born on September 15, 2004.
Preliminary information, according to the police, indicated that the suspect attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He reportedly joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently gained admission to study for a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.
Suspect May Face Prosecution
The commissioner said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction if the investigation established sufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
According to him, the proposed charges may relate to incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to the evidence and relevant legal provisions.
Bello reassured residents of all religious affiliations that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting lives and property and safeguarding citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He condemned actions capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
The police commissioner also called on religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tension or disrupt public order.
Bello reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law, protecting the rights of all citizens without discrimination and working with relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and security across Zamfara State.
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