Shehu Sani Condemns Threats Against Christians, Says Video Does Not Represent JIBWIS

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned threats against Christians contained in a viral video circulating on social media, calling for the individual responsible to be investigated and brought to book.

Sani, in a statement posted on his social media handle, described the reported threats as condemnable, but cautioned against attributing the views expressed by an individual to the entire Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) organisation or its members.

The senator’s reaction follows widespread outrage over a video reportedly showing a young man leading a group of youths in chants calling for firearms to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, Plateau State.

The footage, which has circulated widely online, has raised concerns about religious intolerance, threats to public safety and the possible exposure of children to inflammatory rhetoric.

However, the identities of those involved, the location where the video was recorded and the circumstances surrounding the incident require independent verification.

Reacting to the development, Sani said the individual responsible for the inflammatory statements should face investigation and appropriate legal consequences.

He, however, insisted that the remarks did not represent the official position of the JIBWIS First Aid Group or its members.

According to him, the organisation is a non-violent group of volunteers committed to humanitarian activities, peaceful Islamic religious causes, education and community service.

Sani maintained that JIBWIS had, over the years, remained committed to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence rather than supporting violence against people of other faiths.

He said: “The viral video that showed a young man threatening Christians is condemnable. He should be investigated and brought to book. However, his inflammatory views don't represent the official views of JIBWIS First Aid Group nor that of its members.”

The former lawmaker added that the organisation was dedicated to humanitarian and peaceful religious activities through education, community service and engagement.

He further stated that the group had never supported or aligned itself with violence against any religious community since its founding.

Sani stressed that the actions or utterances of an individual should not be used to define an entire organisation or religious faith.

“The deranged views of one person cannot be used as the opinion of a group or a faith,” he said.

The controversy has renewed public debate about religious tolerance, the responsibility of religious organisations and the need to prevent the spread of messages capable of inciting violence in Nigeria's religiously diverse society.

At the same time, Sani's intervention underscores the need to distinguish between the conduct of individuals and the official position of organisations, while ensuring that credible threats against any religious 

As concerns over the video continue, the central issues remain the need to establish the authenticity and context of the footage, investigate the alleged threats and ensure that no Nigerian is targeted or intimidated because of their faith.