Twenty-five demonstrators, including the sons of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, have been gunned down during an anti-Israeli rally held to mark International Quds Day in an ancient city of the African country.

"The WORLD FEDERATION condemns these senseless killings and demands that the Nigerian Government institutes launches an independent inquiry into these tragedies and bring to book the perpetrators of this crime. 

More killed by soldiers

Further to the shootings and killing of pro-Palestinian protesters on Al-Quds Day march in Zaria, and the subsequent killings in custody of protestors, it is reported that the army raided the Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah Islamic Centre affiliated to the Islamic Movement and opened fire killing 3, and injuring 7.  

This adds to Friday’s death toll.  Among those killed were 3 sons of the Islamic Movement’s leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-zakzaky.  Killed at the demonstration was Syed Mahmoud, whilst the two other brothers Syed Ahmed and Syed Hameed, were taken into custody with their brother Syed Ali.  All three were shot and only Ali appears to have survived.

“[The] latest report on the attack by soldiers on Quds peaceful procession is that 24 Muslim brothers were gunned down by the soldiers, among them Mahmud Ibraheem Zakzaky, son of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, and a Muslim sister with her child on her back. There are over 40 Muslim brothers’ casualties with different degrees of gunshots by the soldiers. The story is still unfolding, with reinforcement of soldiers coming from Kaduna, according news sources.” 

Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic, designated the last Friday of the lunar month of Ramadan as the International Quds Day, during which Muslims across the world hold rallies to show their solidarity with Palestinians.

This year’s anti-Israel rallies are being held as Israeli warplanes and tanks have been pounding numerous sites inside the Gaza Strip. More than 985 people have so far been killed and over 6,000 others wounded since the Israeli military first launched its offensive on the Palestinian enclave on July 8.

Demonstrations and vigils protesting recent events in Nigeria are planned in various cities world-wide.  

The UK vigil has been called for 4.30pm (BST) on Monday 28 July outside the Nigeria High Commission, Nigeria House, 9 Northumberland Ave, London WC2N 5BX.