Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to launch an immediate and independent investigation into a viral video allegedly showing children and teenagers participating in marching drills led by adults wearing uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS) in northern Nigeria.
The human rights organisation, in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressed concern over chants allegedly made by the young participants, including calls for AK-47 rifles to attack people described as infidels in Enugu and Jos on a Sunday.
Amnesty International Nigeria said the reported chants raised concerns about the exposure of children to violent rhetoric, religious intolerance and possible indoctrination.
The organisation warned that activities promoting hatred among young people could heighten tensions, encourage violence and threaten peaceful coexistence among communities of different religious beliefs.
It urged the Federal Government to investigate the organisers of the programme and establish the source, location and full context of the video.
The organisation also called for a review of the slogans and educational materials used in the youth activities to determine whether they promote intolerance or encourage violence.
Amnesty International further urged authorities to protect the minors involved from radicalisation and provide appropriate psychological and educational support where necessary.
It said individuals or religious organisations found to have used children to promote intolerance or infringe on religious freedom should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
“Protecting children from exposure to hateful rhetoric, militarised drills, and extreme indoctrination is an obligation of the state under national and international law,” the organisation said.
It added that the Child Rights Act and international human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, provide protections for children against violence, hate speech and recruitment or training in paramilitary activities.
The organisation maintained that using structured youth programmes or religious training groups to instil hostile ideologies could endanger public safety and undermine freedom of religion.
Amnesty International’s call comes amid concerns over the potential use of youth activities to expose minors to messages that could encourage religious hostility and violence.
The organisation urged the relevant authorities to investigate the incident, establish the facts and take appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and welfare of the children involved.
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