Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an immediate and independent investigation into a viral video showing children and ...
Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an immediate and independent investigation into a viral video showing children and teenagers participating in marching drills while chanting slogans allegedly threatening attacks on Christians.
In a statement, the organisation said the footage showed minors taking part in drills led by adult coordinators wearing uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS).
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the participants were heard chanting slogans referring to taking up “AK-47 to attack Christians on a Sunday in Enugu and Jos.”
The organisation described the chants as a disturbing display of children being manipulated and indoctrinated with violence and hatred, warning that exposing minors to such rhetoric could threaten their safety and development.
It urged the authorities to investigate the origin, location and content of the footage and examine the moral songs and curricula used in the youth activities.
Amnesty International Nigeria also called for measures to protect children involved in the programmes from radicalisation and to provide them with appropriate psychological and educational support.
It further urged authorities to hold accountable any individuals or religious groups found to be using children to promote intolerance or infringe on religious freedom.
The organisation said protecting children from hateful rhetoric, militarised drills and extreme indoctrination was a responsibility of the state under national and international law.
Citing the Child Rights Act and international human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, it stressed that children must be protected from violence, hate speech and recruitment or training in paramilitary activities.
Amnesty International Nigeria warned that using organised youth programmes or religious training groups to instil hostile ideologies could undermine the safety, moral development and future of young Nigerians.
The organisation’s call followed the circulation of the video online. However, the allegations concerning the footage and the identities or affiliations of those involved require independent verification by the relevant authorities.
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