Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an independent investigation into a viral video showing children and teenagers participating in a marching drill while chanting slogans calling for attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos.
In a statement released on Monday, the human rights organisation expressed concern over the footage, which shows young boys marching in formation under the supervision of adults wearing uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS).
The group said the children were heard demanding AK-47 rifles and singing about travelling to Enugu and Jos to attack Christians during Sunday worship.
The footage also reportedly contains references to attacking people described as infidels, with one of the speakers calling for gunfire against worshippers.
Amnesty International described the chants as an example of children allegedly being exposed to religious hatred and encouraged violence.
The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to investigate those who supervised the drill and establish the origin, location and full context of the video. It also called for a review of the teaching materials and programmes used during the youth activities.
The rights group further demanded accountability for any individuals or organisations found to have encouraged religious intolerance or exposed children to violent ideologies.
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It also stressed that the minors involved should be protected from radicalisation and provided with appropriate psychological and educational support.
According to Amnesty International, the government has a responsibility under Nigerian and international law to protect children from hate speech, violence and recruitment into paramilitary activities.
The organisation warned that using religious or youth programmes to promote hostility could endanger children and undermine freedom of religion.
It called on the authorities to take urgent action to establish the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable where wrongdoing is confirmed.
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