Thousands of Muslims in Kano, largely members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Friday staged a protest in solidarity with Palestinians, calling for an end to what they described as Israeli occupation and oppression.

The pro-Muslim group also condemned what they called attacks on Iran that they said had escalated tensions and conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The protest began shortly after the Friday congregational prayer at the Fagge Central Mosque in the Kano metropolitan area. 

Participants waved Palestinian, Iranian and Nigerian flags while chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Death to Israel,” “Death to America,” and “We support Iran.”

During the march, the protesters dragged two coffins covered with the flags of the United States and Israel, with photographs of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placed on them.

The peaceful procession moved from the Fagge Central Mosque through Ibrahim Taiwo Road and ended at the bridge leading to Kofar Nasarawa along Zaria Road in Kano metropolis after nearly three hours

Addressing the protesters at the end of the demonstration, the leader of the march, Shaikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, said the event was held to mark “Quds Day,” an annual observance that takes place on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.

He explained that the event has been observed for about four decades and is marked by public awareness campaigns, lectures and discussions in various cities across Nigeria and other parts of the world.

According to him, this year’s Quds Day carries special significance due to the ongoing conflict in Palestine

“Today being the last Friday of the month of Ramadan, the event is observed with public awareness campaigns, lectures and discussions in many cities in Nigeria and across the world.

 Observing Quds Day this year is particularly important as the aggression and genocide against the people of Palestine by Israel persists,” he said.

Mainasara alleged that reports by the United Nations, humanitarian organisations, researchers and the media indicate that since October 2023, no fewer than 200,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured, while over 100,000 others have been displaced.

He described the situation as “inhuman, horrific and unimaginable,” calling for global action against what he termed the Israeli regime.

The protest leader also paid tribute to the late Supreme Leader of Iran, describing him as a humble and compassionate figure who stood for oppressed people around the world.

He concluded by reiterating the group’s call for the freedom and liberation of Palestinians and other oppressed communities worldwide.