By Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to peace, national security and responsible communication, while distancing itself from a viral video allegedly showing an individual wearing the organisation’s First Aid Group uniform making statements about acquiring rifles to travel to Enugu and Plateau states.
The National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, made the clarification in Kaduna on Monday during a national seminar and workshop organised to train the organisation’s social media influencers on combating fake news, disinformation and misinformation.
Bala Lau condemned the circulation of unverified information, stressing the importance of accuracy and proper verification before sharing content on social media.
He maintained that JIBWIS had zero tolerance for criminality and did not associate with terrorists or criminal elements.
The cleric also called on intelligence and security agencies to identify and investigate the individual featured in the viral video to establish the circumstances surrounding the recording.
He warned that the organisation would not allow individuals to damage its reputation, noting that JIBWIS had spent decades promoting peace, unity, justice and religious harmony across Nigeria.
JIBWIS Targets Misinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections
Also speaking, the National Secretary of JIBWIS, Sheikh Kabiru Haruna Gombe, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of the organisation’s digital influencers ahead of the 2027 general election campaigns.
He emphasised the importance of fact-checking, professionalism and responsible online engagement, urging Nigerians to pray for peaceful campaigns and hitch-free elections across the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo, urged participants to uphold accuracy, fairness and truthfulness in all messages published in the organisation’s name.
The workshop is expected to equip participants with the skills needed to counter misinformation and promote responsible digital communication, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
