Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites, on Friday, set ablaze the national flags of the United States and Israel during a massive protest, in Abuja.
The protesters, who converged on Wuse Market junction, described the US and Israel as enemies and oppressors of the people of Palestine.
Secretary of the academic forum of the movement, Abdullahi Musa, said the flags were burnt to show anger against the countries over their “oppressive tendency” against Palestine.
The flags were displayed to the crowd with the caricature of President Donald Trump before some members of the group sprayed fuel on them.
The incident led to traffic logjam in the area.
READ ALSO: Why I may not use Govt. House, Office soon, by Gov. Ihedioha
Also, three coffins wrapped with Palestinian flags were on display which signified the three children of Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, leader of the group, who were killed by the security operatives during a protest in Zaria in 2015.
The movement said the protest was organised to drive home the demand for President Muhammadu Buhari to release Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, leader of the group, to enable him seek medical attention.
The group vowed to continue with the protest irrespective of the “intimidation” by the security agents.
The security operatives had on Friday morning mounted several roadblocks along Maraba-Abuja express way subjecting people to security checks.
