Amnesty Raises Alarm Over ‘AK-47’ Chant Video, Demands Probe as Cleric Who Preached Peace Is Gunned Down in Katsina

AK-47’ Chant Video/poto

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on authorities to launch an immediate investigation into a viral video showing teenagers and children participating in a marching drill in which participants allegedly chanted slogans calling for the use of AK-47 rifles to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos.

The human rights organisation described the footage as a disturbing example of children being manipulated and indoctrinated with religious hatred and violence, warning that such activities pose a serious threat to social cohesion and religious freedom.

According to Amnesty International, the youths were seen participating in organised drills led by adult coordinators wearing uniforms linked to Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a Wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS).

The group urged Nigerian authorities to investigate the organisers, identify the location where the exercise took place, examine the source and content of the video, and review the educational materials or curricula being used in the youth programme.

“Authorities must ensure that minors involved in these programmes are protected from radicalisation and provided appropriate psychological and educational support,” Amnesty said.

The organisation further stressed that any individuals or groups found to be using children to promote intolerance, hate speech or religious hostility must be held accountable.

Amnesty noted that under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and international human rights obligations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children are entitled to protection from violence, hate speech and involvement in paramilitary-style activities.

The rights group warned that exposing young people to militarised drills and extremist ideologies not only endangers their development but also undermines peaceful coexistence and freedom of religion.

The statement came on the same day Amnesty International strongly condemned the killing of renowned Islamic preacher, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, who was reportedly shot dead by gunmen on motorcycles outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, while heading out for his routine evening preaching session.

Amnesty described the cleric’s killing as brutal and called for a swift, independent and effective investigation to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

The organisation noted that Sheikh Masussuka was widely respected for promoting peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue and understanding among Muslims, while consistently speaking out against violent extremism and radicalisation.

According to Amnesty, the slain cleric had faced threats and intimidation throughout his life because of his advocacy for moderation and peace.

The rights organisation warned that Nigeria must not allow voices promoting tolerance and peaceful religious engagement to be silenced through violence.

Together, the two incidents underscore growing concerns about religious extremism, intolerance and insecurity in parts of the country, with Amnesty International urging the government to act decisively to protect children from radicalisation and ensure justice for advocates of peace.