Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old man seen in a viral video allegedly demanding for rifles to kill Christians.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was captured on tape chanting an inciting song while dressed in the uniform of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS).
According to reports, the suspect was en route to the Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque in Maradun Local Government Area to provide security during Juma’at prayers on Friday. He was seen in the company of pupils from Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
In response to the viral video, police officers immediately engaged JIBWIS leaders at both the national and state levels. The Islamic organisation distanced itself from the suspect’s conduct, apprehending and transferring him to police custody for a full investigation.
The State Commissioner of Police, A. M. Bello, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, assuring residents that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Zamfara State Police Command wishes to address the public concerning a video circulating on social media in which a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State Chapter, was allegedly heard chanting a song containing the words, ‘give us rifles to go and kill Christians’.
The suspect, who was a former pupil of Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School in Maradun, and recently secured admission to study Mass Communication at the Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the probe for offences on incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace, and criminal intimidation.
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