– Stop war, save Palestinian children, says convener
Nigerian youths under the banner of the Young Leaders’ Forum (YLF) have called for the immediate stop of war in Palestine, noting children are the major victims living through the unimaginable horrors of the war.
The youths organised a march on Sunday, November 5, in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria to press home their demand, saying they cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering and occupation in Palestine.
Along with Palestinian flags, some demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as: ‘Free Palestine, free Gaza’, ‘End Israel apartheid now!’, ‘Nigerians unite for Palestine’, ‘Nigerians call for justice for Palestine’, ‘Good people of America must stop Joe Biden’s collaboration with killers,’ among others.
Muslim News gathered that today’s march was the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian events organised by the Nigerian Muslim community in Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria.
Two weeks ago, thousands of Nigerians from different states gathered at the popular Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos to condemn the killing of 9,227 Palestinians including 3,826 innocent children (as of Saturday, November 4), thereby calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The Israeli forces have not only killed innocent civilians indiscriminately, they have also bombed residential apartments including hospitals, refugee camps, schools and religious centres (Churches and Mosques).
Mr. AbdFattah Adelopo, who anchored the march, called on the international community to stop the war and save innocent Palestinian children.
“The ongoing war in Palestine has left a trail of suffering, particularly among Palestinian children who are living through the unimaginable horrors of war. As the future leaders of this world, it is our responsibility to speak up, take action, and pave the way for a better tomorrow,” he added.
“These children, who should be filled with dreams and aspirations, are instead experiencing the horrors of violence, displacement, and loss. We cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering, nor should we accept that this is the world we want to inherit.
“We stand united in our commitment to speak out against the killing of children and innocent lives in the ongoing war in the occupied territories of Palestine. Today, we raise our voices in solidarity with the Palestinian children, women, and aged who are enduring unimaginable hardships.”
Mr. Adelopo noted that the images they see and stories they hear of the Palestinian people are heart-wrenching.
According to him, “Innocent lives are being shattered, families torn apart, and dreams of a peaceful future crushed under the weight of this relentless war. It is our moral obligation to stand up against this injustice.
“We recognize that every life lost in this war is a tragedy. Every child, woman, and elderly person who loses their life leaves behind a void that can never be filled. We cannot ignore the pain and suffering that this war inflicts on the people of Palestine.”
Also speaking at the gathering, the coordinator of YLF, Ojokoro/Ifako Ijaye Zone, Sheriff Kukoyi urged the international community, especially the United Nations, to intervene and call for an immediate end to the war, while also suing for a return to the negotiating table.
“It is only through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy that a just and lasting solution can be reached. We must demand an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued the land of Palestine for far too long since 1948.
“Our call is a call for the fundamental rights of the Palestinians. The right to their land, the right to basic amenities of life (water, electricity, good roads, etc, without any restrictions), the right to life, dignity, and security. We believe in the power of peace, the strength of unity, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“As we stand together today, let us remember that our voices are our most potent weapons. We can make a difference, not just through our words, but through our actions and our unyielding commitment to a future where children can grow up in safety and hope. Let us amplify our message, not only in this gathering but in our communities, in our countries, and across the world,” the Coordinator remarked in his address.
