Amnesty International Demands Urgent Probe into Viral Izala Video of Children Chanting About Attacking Christians with AK-47s

By Nasiru Hassan 

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to launch an immediate and independent investigation into a viral video showing children and teenagers participating in marching drills led by adults wearing uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izala.

In its call for an investigation posted on its verified Faceboom page on Monday, Amnesty International raised concerns over slogans reportedly chanted by the young participants, including references to taking up “AK-47 to attack Christians on a Sunday in Enugu and Jos.”

The chants have raised concerns about the exposure of children to violent rhetoric, religious intolerance and possible indoctrination that could undermine peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

Amnesty International urged the relevant authorities to investigate the origin, location and contents of the video and examine the songs, instructional materials and curricula used during the youth activities to determine whether they promote violence or religious hatred.

The organisation also called for measures to protect the minors involved from possible radicalisation and ensure that they receive appropriate psychological and educational support where necessary. It further stressed the need to hold accountable any individuals or groups found to have used children to promote intolerance or engage in activities that violate their rights.

The call highlights the responsibility of Nigerian authorities to protect children from violence, exploitation and harmful indoctrination under the country’s child-protection laws and international human rights obligations.

The Child Rights Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child provide safeguards for children’s welfare, development and protection from violence and exploitation. Any alleged violations arising from the activities shown in the footage should be investigated in accordance with applicable laws.

The controversy also underscores concerns about the role of organised religious and youth programmes in shaping the attitudes of young people towards other religious communities.

Amnesty International’s call for an independent investigation seeks to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the video are established, the children involved are protected, and appropriate action is taken against anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct.