The National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has condemned a viral video showing a man wearing the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform allegedly chanting provocative statements calling for the provision of AK-47 rifles to facilitate an attack in Enugu.
Bala Lau called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In a statement reacting to the video, the JIBWIS chairman dissociated the organisation from the alleged inflammatory remarks, insisting that calls for violence, intimidation or attacks against any community were contrary to its principles, teachings and objectives.
He stressed that wearing the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform or appearing alongside its members did not automatically establish that an individual was acting on behalf of JIBWIS or with its authorisation.
Bala Lau expressed concern that the incident could be an attempt by individuals or external interests to misrepresent the organisation and damage its reputation.
He urged security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the video, including the identity, affiliation and possible motives of those involved.
The chairman cited JIBWIS’s recent international conference in Abuja as evidence of its commitment to interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the conference brought together Christian leaders, Muslim scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, prominent personalities and participants from various parts of the world to promote mutual understanding, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He questioned the association of an organisation that had invested resources and institutional efforts in building bridges across religious and ethnic divides with statements allegedly advocating violence against fellow Nigerians.
Bala Lau further stated that, throughout its approximately 48 years of existence, JIBWIS had remained committed to propagating Islamic teachings, promoting the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), advancing moral reformation and education, providing humanitarian services, and fostering peaceful coexistence among people regardless of their religious, ethnic or geographical backgrounds.
He reiterated the need for a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the video and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
