Police Arrest Youth In Zamfara Over Viral Video Threatening Christians

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

The video reportedly shows the suspect wearing the 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, the suspect was reportedly apprehended by JIBWIS before being handed over to the police for investigation.

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

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

Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026, while the 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.

The two schools identified in connection with the video are Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.

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

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

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

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

He said the proposed charges would relate to alleged 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 gathered and the applicable law.

The commissioner condemned conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening community safety or undermining peaceful coexistence. He also reaffirmed the 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 also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disturb public order.

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