…CAN Demands Prosecution
The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man over a viral video allegedly showing him leading a group of boys in chants calling for the killing of Christians, as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) demands a thorough investigation into the incident.
The suspect, identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, was reportedly apprehended by the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Zamfara State chapter, before being handed over to the police for investigation.
The video reportedly shows the suspect wearing the organisation’s uniform alongside pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the police, the video allegedly contains the words, “give us rifles to go and kill Christians.”
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Bello, disclosed the arrest while briefing journalists in Gusau on Tuesday, saying the command was committed to protecting residents regardless of their religious affiliations.
Bello said the command deployed its intelligence resources to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
Preliminary findings indicated 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, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.
The police said they had 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, the suspect was born on September 15, 2004. He attended Mualledi Model Primary School and Government Day Secondary School, both in Maradun.
The police added that he joined JIBWIS in 2025 and had 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 upon their conclusion.
He said the proposed charges could include 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 reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Bello urged religious leaders, parents, guardians, school authorities and community stakeholders to promote tolerance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour, particularly among young people.
He also appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from actions that could heighten religious tensions or disrupt public order.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria has called on security agencies to investigate the viral video, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found culpable.
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on behalf of the association’s national leadership, CAN described the chants as “chilling and utterly unacceptable”.
The association insisted that Nigerians must be able to practise their faith without fear of attacks, intimidation or discrimination.
It warned against dismissing the chants as youthful exuberance, arguing that the alleged threats required urgent investigation and decisive action.
CAN also expressed concern over the involvement of children and young people in the video, warning that exposing them to messages promoting religious hatred and violence could have serious consequences.
The association urged the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to establish when and where the video was recorded, identify those involved and determine who organised or facilitated the activity.
It further called for an investigation into whether any individuals or groups financed or encouraged the alleged threats, insisting that anyone found responsible should face the law.
CAN also asked security agencies to assess potential threats arising from the video and take appropriate measures to protect Christian communities and places of worship in Enugu, Jos and other parts of the country.
Although it acknowledged the reported disavowal of the video by JIBWIS leadership, the association maintained that the organisation’s position should not replace an independent investigation.
“Religious leaders across Nigeria also have a responsibility to reject, unequivocally, any teaching, slogan or activity that promotes hatred or violence against people of another faith,” the association said.
CAN warned that Nigeria could not afford to treat threats of religious violence lightly, given the country’s history of bloodshed and religious tensions.
It said failure to investigate the incident could create the impression that threats against citizens on religious grounds would go unpunished.
The association, however, urged Christians to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while the authorities investigate the video, cautioning against retaliation that could worsen religious and social tensions.
“CAN stands for justice, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence,” Okoh said, stressing that every Nigerian was entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of religious affiliation.
https://x.com/i/status/2114671468483088610
Below is the English translation of the controversial song.
Lead: Militant men
Refrain: Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
To go to Enugu
Oh you!
To go to Enugu
Oh you!
To go to Enugu
Oh you!
Amidst infidels
Oh you!
Amidst infidels
Oh you!
On a Sunday
Oh you!
On a Sunday
Oh you!
When they’re rejoicing
Oh you!
When they’re rejoicing
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
Du dum dududum (gunshots)
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
Give me AK
Oh you!
To go down to Jos
Oh you!
To go down to Jos
Oh you!
Amidst infidels
Oh you!
On a Sunday
On you!
On a Sunday
Oh you!
When they’re rejoicing
Oh you!
When they’re rejoicing
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
Oh you!
When they’re clapping
Oh you!
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
I’ll give them fire
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
Du dum dududum
Oh you!
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