Thousands of protesters in Kano condemn Israeli actions in Palestine and attacks on Iran during Quds Day rally.
Thousands of Muslims in Kano State, largely members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and other Islamic organisations, staged a protest demanding an end to Israeli occupation of Palestine and condemning recent attacks on Iran.
The demonstrators took to the streets shortly after Friday prayers at the Fagge Central Mosque, waving the flags of Palestine, Iran and Nigeria.
During the rally, protesters chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Death to Israel,” “Death to America,” and “We stand with Iran,” expressing solidarity with Palestinians and Iran.
The protesters also pulled two coffins draped in United States and Israeli flags through the streets, displaying images of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a symbolic condemnation of the alleged attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Addressing the gathering at the end of the protest, Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, who led the demonstration, explained that the event was organised to mark Quds Day.
He noted that Quds Day is observed every last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, a tradition that has been held globally for more than four decades.
“Today being the last Friday of this month of Ramadan, the event is observed with public awareness campaigns, lectures and discussions in many cities in Nigeria and other parts of the world,” Mainasara said.
He added that the observance of Quds Day this year carried particular significance due to the ongoing conflict involving Palestinians.
According to him, reports by the United Nations, humanitarian agencies, academic researchers and the media indicate that since October 2023, large numbers of Palestinians have been killed or injured during the conflict.
Mainasara said many others have also been displaced as a result of the ongoing hostilities.
He condemned what he described as atrocities against Palestinians and expressed solidarity with people he said were facing oppression.
“Finally, we strongly condemn the ongoing atrocities being committed against Palestinians and reiterate our call for the freedom and liberation of Palestine and other oppressed people of the world,” he said.
The protest formed part of Quds Day events held in several cities around the world to draw attention to the Palestinian cause.
