NCA Demands Probe Into Video Allegedly Mobilising Children Against Christians

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has called on the federal government and security agencies to investigate a viral video allegedly showing children being indoctrinated to attack Christians in parts of the country.

NCA chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the authenticity, location and circumstances surrounding the video must first be established before conclusions are drawn.

The footage, which has generated outrage on social media, reportedly shows children and teenagers undergoing marching and paramilitary-style drills under the supervision of some adults.

Hausa-to-English translations of the chants purportedly heard in the video indicate that some participants were allegedly demanding AK-47 rifles and calling for attacks on Christian worshippers in Enugu and Jos, particularly during Sunday church services.

Some human rights advocates and commentators have identified the uniforms and activity in the footage as belonging to the First Aid Group (F.A.G.) of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as the Izala Movement.

Hayab, in a statement, said the uncertainty surrounding the footage should prompt authorities to investigate rather than allow the matter to be dismissed or exploited for religious and political purposes.

He said, “Our appeal to government and security agencies is for an honest investigation about this video to confirm if it is authentic.

“If it is confirmed, then no stone should be left unturned until those behind this evil indoctrination are exposed and brought to justice for brainwashing young Nigerians to think and see each other as enemies.”

The NCA chairman expressed concern over what he described as the indoctrination of young people with hatred against people of other faiths.

He said Nigeria was at a stage where young people should be encouraged to pursue education, technology, economic opportunities and peaceful relationships rather than being taught to hate or harm others.

Hayab urged parents and religious leaders to play a greater role in shaping the values of children, stressing that religious teachings should promote love, tolerance and respect for human life.

He also called on CAN and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) to jointly confront religious extremism and hate speech before they become more deeply entrenched in society.

According to him, the emergence and activities of Boko Haram, ISWAP and other extremist groups demonstrated the destructive consequences of radicalisation and violent indoctrination.

“Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist organisations started like this, and we all know the damage they caused to our peace, progress and development as a country,” he said.

Hayab urged Nigerians, irrespective of their political, regional or religious affiliations, to condemn any attempt to indoctrinate children into violence.

He further appealed to security agencies to prosecute anyone found responsible if the allegations contained in the video are established.

He said parents must also take responsibility for the moral upbringing of their children and resist allowing individuals or religious preachers to expose them to teachings capable of turning them against fellow Nigerians.