Aqsah Nigeria demands end to Gaza ‘genocide, global silence’

AS the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, some leading Islamic scholars and clerics in Nigeria have called for concrete global action to end what they described as an orchestrated genocide, artificial famine and systemic violation of Palestinian rights by the State of Israel.

At a world press conference held on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, organised by Aqsah Nigeria, prominent Muslim leaders, including the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, and Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, condemned the ongoing siege of Gaza and called for urgent international intervention.

Professor Akintola, who delivered the text of the press conference, described the situation in Gaza as “ethnic cleansing disguised as warfare,” accusing Israel of deliberately starving civilians, bombing civilian infrastructure and silencing journalists.

He emphasised that truth-telling itself has become a deadly act, as evidenced by the assassination of 237 journalists allegedly killed for uncovering Israeli war crimes.

Joining him and Sheikh Shafi’i were notable Islamic leaders, including founder of Anaajah Arabic Institute, Ibadan, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid; President of the Council of Ulamah under the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni; and Chief Imam of Eruwaland, Sheikh Bilal Shittu.

They were unanimous in calling for an end to what they termed “barbaric aggression” and “a war not just against Palestinians but against our shared humanity.”

Also in attendance were Alhaji Ahmad Eleyinirin of the Muslim World League; Ameer of Ahlu Sunnah, Osun State, Alhaji Misbaudeen Akinola; Sheikh Abdul Kabir Muhammad Awwal; and Professor Abideen Olaiya, a respected Islamic scholar and academic.

The leaders expressed dismay at the global community’s silence, especially from institutions like the United Nations, questioning whether its founding purpose has not been undermined.

Several organisations stood in solidarity at the event, including the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Oyo State chapter; the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Oyo State; The Muslim Congress (TMC); and Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation.

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Collectively, they reinforced their commitment to sustained advocacy, peaceful protests and public education on the crisis in Gaza.

The conference did not limit its criticism to Israel alone. The speakers took aim at alleged Western complicity and global inaction, asserting that verbal condemnations and symbolic resolutions are no longer enough.

They called on the Nigerian government to take bold steps; to sever diplomatic ties with Israel, recall its ambassador, boycott Israeli products and support the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders for crimes against humanity.

Referencing President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh in November 2024, Aqsah Nigeria praised his call to end Israeli aggression and respect the principles of proportionality and civilian protection.

The organisation further applauded the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Vice President Kashim Shettima for backing Palestinian independence at international forums.

Still, the group emphasised that words must translate into action.

With over 62,000 Palestinians reported killed, including 266 children who have died from starvation, Aqsah Nigeria warned that Gaza has become a graveyard of international law and the world must not continue to look away.

“These are not collateral damages. These are human lives, hopes and futures destroyed before our eyes,” Professor Akintola said.

Aqsah Nigeria demanded that the Nigerian government refrain from engaging in any military or intelligence alliance with Israel, calling such cooperation a betrayal of Nigeria’s history of justice, as seen in its fight against apartheid and its peacekeeping legacy across Africa.

It argued that a state accused of genocide cannot be trusted to promote security in any meaningful way.

“This is not a religious war. This is a war against truth, justice and humanity,” Aqsah Nigeria declared.

Following the conference, the leaders led a symbolic march, carrying banners and placards bearing the Aqsah Nigeria insignia and various messages of solidarity.

They pledged to continue peaceful demonstrations, advocacy efforts and support for the Palestinian people until their freedom and dignity are fully restored.