Sheikh Bala Lau Calls for Probe, Arrest Over Viral Enugu Attack Threat

By Ibrahim Shehu Giwa. The National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, has strongly condemned a viral video showing a man dressed in the uniform of the organisation’s First Aid Group, participating in a jogging exercise and chanting provocative statements calling for AK-47 rifles to be given to them to enable them to travel to Enugu on Sunday and carry out an attack.

Reacting to the disturbing development, Sheikh Bala Lau called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The National Chairman categorically dissociated JIBWIS from the inflammatory statements, stressing that such expressions of violence, intimidation and threats against any community are completely alien to the principles, teachings and objectives upon which the organisation was established.

He emphasised that wearing the uniform of the JIBWIS First Aid Group or appearing among its members does not automatically establish that an individual is acting on behalf of the organisation or with its authorisation.

Sheikh Bala Lau further expressed concern that the incident could represent a deliberate attempt by individuals or external interests to misrepresent the organisation and damage its longstanding reputation. He therefore urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the video, including the identity, affiliation and possible motives of those involved.

The Chairman recalled that JIBWIS recently organised an international conference in Abuja, bringing together Christian leaders, Muslim scholars from different Islamic schools of thought, prominent personalities and participants from different parts of the world, with the central objective of promoting interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He questioned how an organisation that has consistently invested its resources, leadership and institutional efforts in building bridges across religious and ethnic divides could reasonably be associated with statements advocating violence against fellow Nigerians.

For approximately 48 years since its establishment, JIBWIS has remained committed to the propagation of authentic Islamic teachings, the promotion of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), moral reformation, education, humanitarian services and the peaceful coexistence of people irrespective of their religious, ethnic or geographical backgrounds.

NSSF Tourney: Enugu, Kano top invited U-15 players

The Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) has selected players 26 players from the just- concluded national under-15 soccer tournament held in Abuja.

The selected players are to represent the country against Ghanian side in an international match scheduled to hold in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.

Five players were selected from Kano Government College who emerged runners up in the just- concluded tournament in Abuja.

According to the statement from the NSSF's secretary General Mr. Oba Funsho Usman Phd said the invited players from Kano are: Yusuf Danladi, Ibrahim Adi Ahme, Isa Muhammad, Mukhtar Muazu, Musa Shaaban while Niger state and Federal Capita Territory (FCT), Abuja have three players each Zubairu Muhammad, Suleiman Abubakar, Nabil and 

FCT Abuja John Idokwo, Victor Onyebuchi and Andrew Samuel.

The statement added that Enugu state has higher number of 11 invited players namely: Chike Chinedu, saliu Yusuf, Udeze Raymond, Godwin Menyega, Nnamchi Chinedu, Elechi Emmanuel, Edeh David Ugochukwu, Usoro God's will Ime, Ali Bright, Ilono Somto Chukwu and Johnny Emmanuel.

He explained that Adamawa state has four players include Rufus Raphael, Fadil Ayuba, Ibrahim Mohd and Abbas Muazu.

Speaking on the invitation, the Director of sports in the Kano state ministry of education, Malam Ibrahim Bello described the invitation as well deserved considering the brilliant performance of the players in the competition.

Malam Ibrahim Bello used the medium to commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner of education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa for their unflinching support morally and finally to the school team.

The director charged the invited players to redouble effort with a view to ensure they keep the flag of Nigerian higher while in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) U15 Championship culminated in an intense showcase of emerging football talents on Monday in Abuja, with Enugu State securing the championship in the male category and Bayelsa State prevailing in the female category. 

This tournament, organized by the NSSF with strategic support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had representative teams from several states including Adamawa, Niger, Kano, F.C.T, Enugu, and Bayelsa.

 The event was not merely a competition; it served as a critical platform for fostering athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and essential networking among participants.

The championship's significance went beyond immediate accolades, positioning itself as a pivotal avenue for the identification and cultivation of Nigeria's future football talent. This perspective resonates with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in conjunction with the NFF, emphasizing the tournament's role in scouting and nurturing the most promising players for future continental competitions.

Present at the event was Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary, who commended all participants, acknowledging their outstanding contributions throughout the championship. Ameenu indicated that select players who distinguished themselves during the tournament will receive invitations to national teams.

"The NFF President has immense pride in all participants who demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Those who have been identified by our scouts will have significant opportunities to represent Nigeria on the continental stage," stated Ameenu.