The National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has called for the arrest and investigation of a man captured in a viral video allegedly threatening an attack on Enugu, while chanting demands for AK-47 rifles.
Bala Lau, who condemned the video, urged the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to identify those involved, establish their motives and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
In a statement issued by JIBWIS Nigeria, the chairman said the organisation had no connection with the violent statements attributed to the man, who appeared in the video wearing a uniform associated with its First Aid Group.
The video reportedly showed the man participating in a jogging exercise while making provocative statements about travelling to Enugu on Sunday to launch an attack, allegedly calling for the provision of AK-47 rifles.
Bala Lau stressed that wearing the organisation’s uniform or appearing alongside its members did not automatically mean that the individual was acting on its behalf or had its authorisation.
He warned that the incident required a thorough investigation to determine the man’s identity, his actual affiliation with JIBWIS and the circumstances surrounding the recording and circulation of the video.
The chairman also raised concerns that the incident might be an attempt to portray the organisation negatively and undermine its reputation, urging security agencies to establish the facts rather than rely on assumptions.
According to him, threats of violence, intimidation or attacks against any community are contrary to JIBWIS’ principles, teachings and objectives.
To reinforce the organisation’s position, Bala Lau recalled that JIBWIS recently hosted an international conference in Abuja attended by Christian leaders, Muslim scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, prominent personalities and participants from various parts of the world.
He said the conference was aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and people of different backgrounds.
The chairman questioned why an organisation that had invested in initiatives to foster understanding across religious and ethnic divides should be associated with calls for violence against fellow citizens.
He added that JIBWIS, established about 48 years ago, had focused on Islamic education, moral reformation, humanitarian services and the promotion of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), alongside peaceful coexistence among people of different religious, ethnic and geographical backgrounds.
Bala Lau maintained that the appropriate security agencies should investigate the viral video and ensure that anyone responsible for making credible threats of violence is held accountable under the law.
