Groups Demand Release Of ‘Abducted’ Palestinian Leaders

In light of the escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Nigeria’s Civic Trenches has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and other Palestinian leaders recently detained by Nigerian security forces.

The groups staged a peaceful protest yesterday at the frontage of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs head office opposite the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

They highlighted the risks of Nigeria being drawn into the Middle Eastern conflict, which they described as a “fratricidal feud” that threatens the country’s stability.

The arrest of prominent figures within the Palestinian community has sparked significant outrage, with civic groups condemning these actions as violations of due process and fundamental human rights.

The spokesperson for the protesting civil groups, Kunle Ajayi Wizeman, who is also the secretary of United Action for Democracy (UAD), said Nigeria, already grappling with economic challenges and internal security issues, cannot afford to become entangled in what they describe as an “Imperial, Neo Colonial Colony, Proxy Imbroglio” between Israel and Palestine.

According to him, among those detained by Nigerian security is Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, a well-known advocate who has routinely called attention to the humanitarian crises in Gaza, including the plight of civilians amidst ongoing conflict and violence against journalists.

He said his detention is seen as a direct attack on freedom of expression and political dissent, particularly in the context of a recent security agreement between the Nigerian government and Israel.

Mr Wizeman further stated that advocacy for Palestinian rights should never be criminalised, stressing that  Nigeria’s principles of unity in diversity, non-secularism, and respect for human rights should guide its interactions on the international stage.

The groups argue that Nigeria must not serve as a tool for external powers aiming to stifle dissent, demanding an urgent and unconditional release of all detained leaders and a review of any agreements with Israel that may infringe on Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rights of its residents.

“We, unequivocally condemn the Palestine / Israeli hostilities as carefully designed ‘Imperial, Neo Colonial Colony, Proxy Imbroglio!’. The recent arrest of leaders of the Palestinian community in Nigeria has sparked outrage and deep concern, following reports that Nigerian security forces abducted them in a manner that violates due process and globally recognised Fundamental Human Rights principles, tenets and conventions, which the Nigerian State is party to.

“Nigeria can ill afford being dragged willy-nilly into the Middle East burning crisis. It is opposite to note that we are battling with a battered economy, fragile security, Farmers / Herders clashes and orgies of social vices. Nigeria cannot blindly be deployed as a proxy, errand tool in the Israel vs Palestine belligerencies.

“Advocacy for the rights of Palestinians is not a crime. Nigeria must not allow itself to become a tool of external powers in silencing dissent.

“We call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release Ramzy Abu Ibrahim and all other detained Palestinian community leaders. Respect the rights of Palestinians in Nigeria, ensuring they are not subjected to harassment, humiliation, or political repression,” Wizeman stated.

The civic groups call for solidarity with the Palestinian cause and urge Nigeria to stand up for justice, dignity, and peace.