Anti France protest erupts in Abuja as Shiites burn country’s national flag

By JIDE OYEKUNLE, Abuja

Members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) on Tuesday in Abuja took to the streets to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron and republishing of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in a magazine.

The protest which kicked off from Nitel Junction was terminated at Wuse market as members of the sect n their number marched were chanting anti-France songs.

The protesters also set ablaze the France national flag in the process to signify their anger against the country.

This led to confusion in the market as traders hurriedly locked up their shops for their of attacks.

The Secretary of the Academic Forum of the movement, Abdullahi Musa said the rally was aimed to condemning the action of France President over the derogatory publication.

A statement by Sheikh Sidi Munir, a follower of Sheik Zakzaky read: “We set the France flag on fire in a reaction to the attack on Islam and Muslims by the President of France Emmanuel Macron since the heinous crime of publishing cartoons of the Prophet by the magazine Charlie Hebdo.

“Hence we applaud the current campaign across Muslim and all lovers of peace and humanity.”

As at time of this report there was no security agents on ground.

The FCT police command had last Friday deployed anti-riot policemen and water canon to the national mosque in anticipation that the group would carried out the protest. (Daily Independent)