North–South Coalition Condemns Anti-Christian Chants in Zamfara, Demands Investigation

The North–South Coalition (NSC) has condemned a disturbing video reportedly recorded in Maradun, Zamfara State, showing children and youths chanting slogans calling for weapons and threatening attacks on Christians in Enugu and Jos.

The coalition described the incident as a dangerous promotion of religious hatred and violence, warning that exposing children to such messages could deepen religious and regional divisions in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on November 1, 2026, and signed by its Founder and Convenor, Dr Prince Awuzie, the NSC said the chants were particularly disturbing because they encouraged young Nigerians to see fellow citizens they had never met as enemies because of their religion or place of origin.

The organisation stressed that such conduct should not be dismissed as harmless expressions, arguing that it could normalise violence and cultivate hostility among children.

The NSC, a youth-led movement committed to bridging Nigeria’s regional, ethnic and religious divides, said its mission over the past decade had focused on promoting dialogue, youth leadership, education and community engagement to replace inherited prejudices with mutual understanding.

It warned against allowing children to inherit the hatred and divisions of previous generations.

“The children of Zamfara must not be taught to hate the people of Enugu. The children of Enugu must not grow up fearing the children of Zamfara. And no Nigerian should fear death because of where they come from or how they worship God,” the statement said.

The coalition acknowledged the condemnation of the incident by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the reported intervention of the Zamfara State Police Command.

However, it called for a thorough investigation, appropriate legal accountability and stronger safeguards against exposing children to violent religious indoctrination.

The organisation said its concerns extended beyond the Zamfara incident, pointing to what it described as a growing pattern of threats, political intimidation, attacks on citizens and inflammatory statements across the country.

It maintained that threats against Christians, Muslims, political opponents or people from different ethnic backgrounds should be treated with equal seriousness.

According to the coalition, no Nigerian’s life should be considered less valuable because of religious, ethnic or regional identity.

The NSC also cautioned against collective blame, insisting that the actions of individuals should not be used to condemn entire religious groups, regions or communities.

It noted that millions of peaceful Muslims and Christians shared the aspiration for a country where families could live safely and with dignity.

“Enugu is not enemy territory. Jos is not a battlefield. Zamfara is not a community to be collectively condemned. They are all part of our common Nigerian home,” it stated.

The coalition further argued that national unity could not be achieved through political slogans alone but must begin with the values taught to children, the conduct tolerated by leaders and the response of institutions when hatred threatens national cohesion.

It urged Nigerians across the North and South to reject religious and ethnic hostility, warning that differences must never become justification for violence.

“The North must not fear the South. The South must not fear the North. Our differences must never become a licence to kill,” the statement added.

The organisation called on Nigerians to reject the transfer of religious and ethnic animosity to the next generation, stressing that children deserved a country built on peace, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

“Our children deserve a better Nigeria. It is our responsibility to build it,” the coalition said.