Muslim leaders protest Nigeria-Israel military accord, condemn palestine killings

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Muslim leaders in South-West Nigeria staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan on Wednesday, opposing any form of military cooperation between Nigeria and Israel. The demonstrators cited Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there as the basis of their protest.

The protest followed a press conference organized by Aqsah Nigeria, Ibadan branch, at the O.T.M. Islamic Centre on Iwo Road. Clerics, scholars, and representatives of several Islamic organizations gathered to call on the Federal Government to halt any proposed defence pact with Israel.

Speakers at the event condemned what they described as genocide against Palestinians, pointing to mass killings, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and widespread starvation in Gaza. They accused Israel of committing grave human rights violations and war crimes.

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), who read the press briefing, highlighted the severity of the crisis. “Hospitals have been turned into graveyards, schools and churches bombed, and children starved to death under artificial famine. As of Tuesday, over 62,000 people have been killed since October 2023. These are human beings, not animals,” he said.

Akintola also questioned Nigeria’s plan to pursue military ties with Israel, describing the state as an “apartheid regime with no respect for human rights.” He urged the Federal Government to reconsider any proposed defence agreement and instead stand with the Palestinian people.

Representatives of organizations such as the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), The Muslim Congress (TMC), Al-Mumeenat Organisation, and MURIC attended the protest. Prominent Islamic figures, including Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, and Sheikh Bilal Shittu, were also present.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria Unites for Palestine,” “Free Palestine, Boycott Israel,” and “Humanity Must Rise Against Zionist Oppression.” The demonstration coincided with reports that Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence is exploring a new bilateral defence pact with Israel, which would involve joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and defence industry collaboration.

In conclusion, Muslim leaders called on the Federal Government to suspend talks, sever diplomatic ties with Israel, and take a principled stand for Palestinians. “In the spirit of justice and shared humanity, Nigeria must reject any alliance with Israel and instead support freedom for the Palestinian people,” Akintola emphasised.