Tensions flared in Nigeria's northern city of Kano on Saturday, November 8, as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria staged widespread protests against United States President Donald Trump's recent invasion threat against the African nation.
Anti-US Demonstrations Rock Kano Metropolis
The protests, which occurred across multiple locations in Kano, saw large crowds of Shi'ite members chanting anti-American slogans and carrying placards condemning President Trump's statements. Demonstrators expressed strong displeasure with what they described as "false genocide claims" made by the US leader that could potentially justify military intervention in Nigeria.
During the emotionally charged protests, some participants were seen dragging the American flag on the ground while others set effigies of President Trump ablaze. The visual symbolism sent a powerful message of rejection against what protesters characterized as Western interference in Nigeria's internal affairs.
Movement Spokesman Condemns "Provocative" Statements
Abdullahi Danladi, speaking on behalf of the IMN Resource Forum, addressed journalists during the demonstrations, firmly rejecting President Trump's remarks as "provocative, inflammatory, and deeply misleading." The spokesperson emphasized that the movement would not tolerate attempts by foreign leaders to sow religious division within Nigeria.
"The statement by President Trump is false and provocative. It is part of a long pattern of Western propaganda designed to pit Muslims and Christians against one another," Danladi stated. He further argued that Nigeria's challenges stem from corruption, greed, and poor governance rather than religious differences.
The IMN spokesman also accused the United States government of practicing double standards, questioning America's moral authority to lecture other nations on human rights while allegedly fueling wars and instability in the Middle East.
Calls for National Unity Amid Foreign Pressure
Despite the movement's history of clashes with Nigerian authorities, Saturday's protest emphasized messages of national unity and peace. Danladi urged citizens to remain calm and avoid manipulation by political or foreign interests seeking to destabilize the country.
"Both Islam and Christianity teach love, justice, and compassion. Those who exploit religion for politics are the real enemies of peace," the IMN representative declared. He called on Nigerians to stand together against foreign interference and take control of their national destiny.
Security operatives were deployed across key areas in Kano to monitor the protests, which reportedly converged near the Emir's Palace before dispersing peacefully. The demonstrations occurred against the backdrop of contrasting views within Nigeria, with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria having earlier described Christian genocide as undeniable and urged President Bola Tinubu to cooperate with Trump.
