Police Arrest Youth in Zamfara for Viral Video Threatening Christians

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a youth for a viral video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for killing of Christians.

The video reportedly shows suspect wearing uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, Zamfara State Chapter, alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.

Identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, suspect was reportedly apprehended by JIBWIS before being handed over to police for investigation.

Briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, said command is committed to protecting all residents, regardless of religious affiliations.

According to police, video allegedly contains words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.” Command said it deployed intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish circumstances surrounding recording.

Preliminary findings indicate video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while suspect was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque. He and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching.

Two schools identified in connection with video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both in Maradun LGA, about 120 kilometres from Gusau.

Police said they engaged JIBWIS leaders at national and state levels following emergence of video. Organisation reportedly disassociated itself from suspect’s alleged conduct and recording.

According to command, preliminary information shows suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.

Police said he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and recently secured admission to study Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.

Bello said investigations were ongoing and suspect would be charged before court of competent jurisdiction when investigation concluded.

He said proposed charges would relate to alleged incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, subject to evidence gathered.

Commissioner condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening community safety or undermining peaceful coexistence. He also reaffirmed command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

He urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.

Bello appealed to public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disturb public order.

Command reiterated commitment to enforcing law, protecting rights of all citizens without discrimination and working with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security across Zamfara State.