A 22-year-old member of an Islamic religious movement was detained after appearing in a video encouraging schoolchildren to call for rifles to attack Christians, while an al-Qaeda-linked group separately claimed responsibility for murdering a Muslim cleric who promoted interfaith peace.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Nigerian police have detained a 22-year-old Islamic movement member after a video circulated showing him leading religious school pupils in chants calling for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in southern and central Nigeria, authorities confirmed Oct. 27. The arrest came one day after gunmen murdered a prominent Muslim cleric known for advocating peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in neighboring Katsina State.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was taken into custody in Zamfara State following public outrage over footage recorded Oct. 23 in the town of Maradun. The video allegedly showed him demanding weapons to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, including during Sunday worship services.
According to Sahara Reporters, Maradun was wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, commonly known as JIBWIS or Izala, a Salafi Islamic reform movement operating across northern Nigeria.
In the footage, the suspect was heard chanting, “Give us rifles to go and kill infidels.”
Pupils from two Islamic schools accompanied him during the procession, prompting concerns about children being exposed to calls for religious violence.
Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Ahmad Muhammad Bello said investigators identified the suspect after the recording spread across social media and immediately contacted the leadership of JIBWIS.
The religious organization condemned the conduct, distanced itself from the statements and apprehended Maradun before handing him over to police.
Authorities identified the two schools involved as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both in Maradun Local Government Area, approximately 120 kilometers from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
Preliminary findings indicated that the participants were traveling to the Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque to provide security during Friday prayers and religious activities.
Maradun was reportedly serving with the JIBWIS First Aid Group, locally known as ‘Yan Agaji, whose members assist with organizational activities and crowd management.
The video and the movement’s involvement were examined by Premium Times, which reported growing public concern over the use of religious schoolchildren in demonstrations containing threats against Christians.
Police said Maradun was born Sept. 15, 2004, attended primary and secondary schools in Maradun and joined JIBWIS in 2025.
He had also reportedly secured admission to study mass communication at Zamfara State University in Talata Mafara.
Investigators are examining whether his statements constitute criminal incitement, intimidation or conduct likely to disturb public peace.
Authorities said he could face charges under Sections 77, 78 and 380(b) of the Penal Code Law applicable in Zamfara State, depending on the evidence collected.
Bello emphasized that the state would not tolerate threats against residents based on their religious beliefs.
“The Zamfara State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to uphold the law, protect lives and property, defend the rights of all citizens without discrimination, and work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security throughout Zamfara State,” the commissioner said.
Police also urged religious leaders, parents, teachers and community organizations to discourage inflammatory statements and promote peaceful coexistence among young people.
The arrest followed a separate incident in neighboring Katsina State that demonstrated the danger faced by Muslim religious leaders who oppose violent extremism.
On Oct. 26, gunmen riding a motorcycle shot dead Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his companion, Adamu Abubakar, outside the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma.
Katsina State Police said the shooting occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. The two victims were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Masussuka was known for his Quran-centered religious teachings and his support for peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians.
He had also publicly opposed violent extremism and religious radicalization.
On Oct. 27, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, commonly known as Ansaru, claimed responsibility for the murders in a four-minute video obtained by Premium Times.
The militant organization, which has links to al-Qaeda, accused Masussuka of promoting religious positions it considered unacceptable.
According to the report detailing Ansaru’s claim, the group cited the cleric’s support for peaceful coexistence among religious communities as one reason for targeting him.
“Masusuka is an (arnai) infidel, not a Muslim,” the group declared. “He was contracted to disrupt Islam and confuse Muslims.”
Ansaru also accused the cleric of rejecting religious teachings the organization considered essential and claimed he had declined an invitation to participate in a theological debate.
The organization issued further threats against religious figures it accused of challenging its interpretation of Islam.
“You should repent. You should stop, or else we are coming for you,” the group warned.
Authorities have not independently confirmed that Ansaru carried out the killings, and the organization’s claim remains under investigation.
The group did not identify the individuals who conducted the attack.
Security analysts warned that the killing could indicate an effort by militants to intimidate Muslim scholars whose teachings challenge extremist ideology.
Ansaru has operated in several parts of northern and central Nigeria and has previously been linked to kidnappings, attacks on security forces and other acts of terrorism.
The group’s reported involvement in the cleric’s murder has raised additional concerns about targeted violence against religious leaders, including Muslims who advocate dialogue with Christian communities.
Masussuka had established religious and educational institutions in Dutsin-Ma, including Quran TV/Radio and Masussuka International School.
Associates said he had received threats before his killing, although investigators have not established whether those threats were directly connected to the attack.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the murders and ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
In an official statement issued Oct. 27, the presidency described the killing as an assault on peace and the sanctity of human life.
Tinubu extended condolences to the families of Masussuka and Abubakar, their followers and the residents of Katsina State.
The president directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to pursue those responsible and ensure they face prosecution.
Amnesty International also condemned the killing and called for an investigation, noting that the cleric had previously faced threats and intimidation.
Nigeria has experienced years of violence involving Islamist militant organizations, criminal gangs and armed groups operating across the country’s northern and central regions.
Religious identity has played a role in some attacks, although the wider violence also involves territorial disputes, criminal activity, kidnappings and competition over land and resources.
Christian communities have been targeted in numerous attacks, while Muslim civilians, clerics and traditional leaders have also suffered violence at the hands of extremist groups.
The two incidents in Zamfara and Katsina occurred within days of each other but have not been linked by investigators.
Police have not alleged that Maradun participated in Masussuka’s murder or that JIBWIS was responsible for the attack. The movement’s leadership has expressly rejected the threatening statements attributed to Maradun and cooperated in his detention.
The investigations nevertheless underscore concerns about religious incitement and violence in northern Nigeria, where authorities face pressure to protect communities and prevent extremist rhetoric from escalating into attacks.
As of Nov. 2, police had not announced a final disposition of Maradun’s case, while the investigation into Masussuka’s murder remained ongoing.
Original article
Comments