The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, popularly referred to as Shi’ite, on Monday in Abuja protested the United State’s killing of Iran’s top general, Qasem Soleimani.
The United States had explained that the killing of Soleimani was to avert war, but Iran had vowed to retaliate.
The situation has since created tension.
But on Tuesday, members of the Shi’ite group took to the streets of Abuja and burnt a United State’s flag.
Expressing sadness over the killing, the Shi’ite group said the United States had declared war on Iran by its action.
The statement issued by one of the leaders of the group, Ibrahim Musa reads: “The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has received the very sad news of the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force Soleimani and the Iraqi Commander, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, in US airstrike at Baghdad international airport today. We strongly condemn this provocative airstrike ordered by President Trump.
“The US killing of Soleimani is a “declaration of war” on Iran, which has now dangerously made the world on the edge of a very destructive war. For quite some time now, President Trump has been looking for ways to drag the Iranian nation into a senseless war.
“Indeed Hajj Soleimani will forever be remembered because he led the destruction of the murderous ISIS terrorism that the genocidal US regime created, trained, armed and sustained. He was an enigmatic General who led from the frontlines, and was an active supporter of the Palestinian freedom cause. He was an ardent anti-imperialist who gave the United States of America and their stooges in the region sleepless nights both in terms of ideas, and more importantly at the battle fronts that they prompted.
“The Islamic Movement sends condolences to both the leaders and peoples of Iran and Iraq for these colossal loses, and shares their grief at this trying moment. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Imam of our time Imam Mahdi (ATFS), the supreme leader Imam Khamenei and Ayatollah Sayyed Sistani for the Martyrdom of Hajj Qasim Soleimani and Hajj Abu Mahdi AlMohandis and all the Martyrs. Inna Lillah Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon.”
During the protest, the group called for the immediate release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has been held since 2015 by the Department of State Service, DSS.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, has described the protest as wrong, going by its timing.
The action of the Shi’ite group, NSCIA said could lead to loss of lives.
The position of NSCIA was made known by Aselemi Ibrahim who heads the group’s Media and Communication.
His words: “Although, protests are an integral part of all civil democracies in the world, Council believes the timing is wrong as this could lead to loss of lives.
“The attention of the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs NSCIA, has been drawn to a planned solidarity “peaceful” protest by some Muslim youth in the Nigeria over the murder of a top Iranian commander, Gen. Sulaimani Qasim, in Bagdad by the United States of America.
“We appeal to these Muslim youth not to allow their emotions becloud them to the dangers of taking to the streets. We believe that the impasse between Iran and America can only be resolved through dialogue at the level of bilateral or multi-lateral diplomacy.
“We appeal to the law enforcement agency to be alive to their responsibility of protecting lives and property.”
