Amnesty International, alongside leaders from the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), has demanded an urgent investigation into a viral video that depicts children and teenagers making alarming threats against Christians. The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, features a young man leading a group of boys in military-style drills while chanting slogans that call for AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, Plateau State.

The video shows participants in uniforms associated with JIBWIS's First Aid Group, known as ’Yan Agaji. In the disturbing chants, the children express a desire to travel to Enugu to launch attacks on worshippers during Sunday services, referring to the state as a land of "infidels" and mimicking gunfire sounds. One particularly shocking statement attributed to the leader of the group includes a call for weapons to "open fire" on Christians while they are in church.

In response to the video, Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the content, labeling it a manipulation of children that promotes religious hatred and violence. The organization issued a statement urging authorities to conduct an immediate and independent investigation into the incident. They emphasized the need to protect children from radicalization and to provide psychological and educational support for those affected.

Amnesty highlighted that the state has a legal obligation to safeguard minors from exposure to violence and hate speech, referencing both the Child Rights Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The organization warned that using youth programs to promote hostile ideologies could endanger children and undermine religious freedom.

Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, distanced the organization from the inflammatory statements made in the video. He called on security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the footage, asserting that such expressions of violence are contrary to the principles of JIBWIS. Lau stated, "Wearing the uniform of the JIBWIS First Aid Group does not automatically establish that an individual is acting on behalf of the organization."

Furthermore, Lau expressed concerns that the incident might be an attempt to misrepresent JIBWIS and damage its reputation, especially following a recent interfaith conference in Abuja aimed at promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.

Another faction of JIBWIS, led by Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, also condemned the video. Mallam Ibrahim Maina, the faction's Chairman of Internet Operations, expressed discontent with the video's content, clarifying that the individuals involved do not belong to their faction. He noted that the video might have been recorded in 2020, although it has only recently resurfaced online.

The video has provoked widespread outrage on social media, with many users demanding that security agencies take action against the threats depicted. Comments from various users reflect a shared condemnation of the behavior shown in the footage, with calls for accountability and action against those involved.

As of now, the identities of the individuals in the video and the specifics of its recording remain unverified, and attempts to reach officials for further comments have been unsuccessful. The situation continues to develop as public outcry grows over the implications of the video and the need for immediate action.