Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) Stages Protest In Support of Palestinians …Burns Israeli National Flag.
By Caroline Ameh
In a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) took to the streets on Monday in a protest that garnered attention at the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
The protest, held Banex Plaza, saw IMN members passionately waving Palestinian national flags and expressing their support for Palestinians affected by recent events in the Middle East. Chanting anti-Israeli slogans, as protesters even set fire to the Israeli national flag to convey their strong disapproval.
This demonstration comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has initiated military actions in response to a surprise attack by Hamas. The Hamas attack had led to the tragic loss of Israeli lives and the taking of hostages.
Speaking on behalf of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Sidi Munir Sokoto issued a statement, explaining the rationale behind their protest:
“Palestine launched Al-Aqsa Flood to respond to the recent attacks by the Israel Occupation Forces on al-Aqsa mosque and the Gaza refugee camp. Supporting the struggle for the freedom of Palestine is not only for Muslims alone but for all people of conscience.”
He continued, “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was also in response to the Israeli Occupation Forces’ 16-year blockade of Gaza, raids inside West Bank cities over the past year, violence at al-Aqsa, increasing attacks by the state of Israel on Palestinians, and the growth of settlements.”
The IMN condemned what they viewed as Israel’s breach of international law and called for solidarity with Palestinians in their fight for liberation. They stressed that their support for oppressed people is not limited to religion, quoting Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
This protest in Abuja demonstrates the strong emotions and concerns expressed by IMN members and serves as a reminder of the global impact of events in the Middle East on people’s lives and consciences.
Recall that Israeli had commenced the bombardment of Gaza strip after Hamas on Saturday morning launched a surprising vicious attack, butchering hundreds of Israeli civilians and taking others hostage.