Zamfara Police Arrest Youth Over Viral Video Allegedly Advocating Killing of Christians
By Yusuf Gwandu
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a youth over a viral social media video allegedly showing him chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.
The video reportedly shows the suspect, dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was apprehended by JIBWIS and subsequently handed over to the police for investigation.
Briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting citizens of all religious affiliations without discrimination.
According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians,” prompting the command to deploy its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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, where 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 located in Maradun Local Government Area, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The police said the command engaged JIBWIS leadership at both national and state levels following the emergence of the video. The organisation reportedly disassociated itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the recording.
The command said preliminary information indicated that the suspect was born on September 15, 2004, and attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
He reportedly 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.
The police commissioner said investigations were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the investigation.
He explained that 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 applicable law.
CP Bello reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all citizens, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He condemned any conduct capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening the safety of communities or undermining peaceful coexistence.
The police commissioner also urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.
He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions capable of escalating religious tensions or disturbing public order.
The command reiterated its resolve to uphold the law, protect the rights of all citizens without discrimination and work with relevant stakeholders to sustain peace and security across Zamfara State.
