A massive protest took place on in Abuja, the nation’s capital by the members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites to mark the International Qudus in solidarity with Palestine.
Members of the sect trooped out in their numbers shortly after the Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque defied the presence of the heavily armed security agents who had surrounded the mosque to prevent the sect from embarking on the rally.
The placards carrying protesters were chanting “Freedom for Palestine” and “Death to Israel.”
A member of the group, Yahaya Suleiman, who spoke to our correspondent, said the rally was aimed at showing support and love to their brothers and sisters who have been under the siege of Israel.
“We condemn the continued incursion into Al-Qsa Mosque and occupation of Palestine by the apartheid Zionist Israel regime, and we support the people of Palestine in their just struggle.”
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of the Academic Forum of the Movement, Abdullahi Musa, confirmed the gruesome killing of two of their members by the Nigerian Police, who opened fire on them in Kaduna during the rally.
He described the attack as uncalled for, adding that no security agent can stop them from exercising their religious beliefs.
As of the time of this report, the protesters are heading toward the Wuse Market area, wielding Palestinian national flags and chanting anti-government songs.
Armed security operatives were earlier stationed at strategic positions around the mosque, causing tension among the residents and motorists.