Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), often called Shiites, gathered in Yobe State to express solidarity with Palestinians in the aftermath of Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Gaza and Hamas fighters.
Their demonstration took place at the Central Primary and concluded at the Main Central Market in Potiskum, the state capital.
During the demonstration, they prominently displayed the Palestinian national flag, chanted anti-Israeli slogans, and symbolically burned the Israeli national flag. Following the protest, Sheikh Bala Afuwa, the leader of the movement, spoke to journalists.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to expel the Israeli ambassador from Nigeria, urged Israel to cease harming innocent civilians and destroying their homes, and encouraged Nigerians to voice their support for Palestinians while celebrating their achievements.
Sheikh Bala Afuwa emphasized that the demonstration was a display of solidarity with Palestine, particularly in response to the success of the Al-Aqsa flood operation against Israel. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, situated in the heart of Jerusalem’s old city, holds significant religious importance as the third holiest site in Islam.
He emphasized that support for the Palestinian cause extends beyond religious boundaries and is a matter of conscience. Sheikh Bala Afuwa also criticized Israel for violating international law and highlighted the Palestinians’ struggle to free their homeland from 75 years of Israeli oppression and terrorism.
