Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shi’ites, took to the streets of Abuja yesterday to protest the assassination of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi military leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis by the United States.
The demonstration marked the anniversary of the killings, which occurred on January 3, 2020, under the order of former US President Donald Trump.
The protesters marched through major streets in the nation’s capital, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Vanguard reports that the Shi’ites burned the flags of the United States and Israel, symbolizing their disdain for the countries they hold responsible for the deaths of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, whom they described as ‘global martyrs’.
Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara, speaking for the IMN, declared: “We are out on the streets today (yesterday) to commemorate the martyrdom of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and we will continue to honour them annually.”
He emphasized that the annual demonstrations served as a reminder of the duo’s contributions to peace and security in the region.
Multiple nations and figures have widely criticized the assassination of Soleimani and al-Muhandis.
Following the incident, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif labelled the act “international terrorism” and cautioned against its repercussions.
