Former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad has urged security authorities to respond swiftly to a viral video in which a Nigerian pastor allegedly encouraged young people to obtain AK-47 rifles and other weapons for protection.
The cleric, identified as Pastor Jemimah David, was filmed speaking to followers in Plateau State. In the recording, she reportedly told youths to resist attacks when they are targeted, including by arming themselves with weapons. The footage has circulated widely on social media and raised fears that the message could fuel further violence in a state already affected by insecurity.
Ahmad described the video as troubling and regrettable, arguing that comments of this nature should be addressed under the law. Writing on his official X account, he compared the episode with an earlier viral recording involving a young Muslim boy singing what many Nigerians regarded as an inflammatory song.
He said Nigerians from different religious communities had jointly criticised that earlier content and demanded an investigation by security agencies. Ahmad questioned why a religious figure would make similarly provocative remarks without weighing their possible consequences.
“I sincerely hope the relevant security agencies will take note of this video and take appropriate action in accordance with the law,” Ahmad wrote.
In his November 1, 2026 post, Ahmad said the pastor had used her pulpit to call on Plateau youths to arm themselves with knives, cutlasses and AK-47 rifles, and to take the law into their own hands.
Nigeria’s prolonged security challenges have led some religious leaders to advise congregants on protecting themselves when confronted by criminal groups. However, calls for civilians to acquire firearms have heightened concern over the risk of reprisals, communal conflict and a further weakening of public security control.
