Police arrest man in Zamfara over viral video ‘calling for killing of Christians’

The Zamfara state police command says its operatives have arrested Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, 22, who was seen in a viral video allegedly chanting a song calling for the killing of Christians.

A. M. Bello, the state commissioner of police, said in a statement on Tuesday that Maradun wearing the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) when the video was recorded.

Bello said preliminary findings indicated that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, while Maradun was reportedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque.

He and others were said to have provided security during Friday prayers and preaching at the mosque.

“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 statement reads.

“The individual was seen in the company of pupils from two Islamic schools in Maradun Local Government Area of the State.

“Following the emergence of the video, the Command promptly deployed its intelligence resources to identify the individuals involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, 23 October 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 commissioner of police said the schools identified linked to the video as Nurul Islam Islamiya and Akidatul Sahiha Islamiya, both located in Maradun LGA, about 120 kilometres from Gusau, the state capital.

He said the police had engaged JIBWIS leaders at the national and state levels following the emergence of the video.

According to Bello, the organisation distanced itself from the suspect’s alleged conduct and the content of the video.

“The suspect was subsequently apprehended by JIBWIS and handed over to the Zamfara State Police Command for investigation,” he added.

“Preliminary information indicates that he attended Mualledi Model Primary School, Maradun, and Government Day Secondary School, 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.”

Bello said the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

He added that the suspect would be charged in court after the investigation for alleged offences, including incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation.