By Safiyat Muhammed – The Bureau News
The Head of the Palestinian Community in Nigeria, Ramzy Abu Ibrahim, has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Anti-Terrorism Squad in Abuja.
Family members confirmed to SaharaReporters that Ibrahim, a Palestinian-Nigerian who has lived in the country for over 35 years, was picked up from his residence in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday.
Family Confirms Arrest
A relative who spoke to journalists explained that Ibrahim’s detention has left the family in distress, as his whereabouts remain unknown.
“He was arrested on Friday by the security operatives. They identified themselves as the Anti-Terrorism Squad. This man is not a stranger in Nigeria. He has been here for over 35 years and even schooled in this country.
As we speak, we don’t know where he is, and we don’t know which station he is being held. The only reason we might link to his arrest was his recent advocacy on the growing attacks on journalists and vulnerable people in Gaza,” the source said.
Advocacy for Palestine
Ibrahim has been at the forefront of mobilising support for Palestinians in Nigeria. In recent weeks, he has intensified public commentary on the rising killings of journalists in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes.
Officials at the Palestinian Embassy in Nigeria confirmed awareness of his arrest but said they are still awaiting official details.
“Yes, we heard about it and we are still trying to process the information,” an embassy source said.
Silence from Nigerian Authorities
As of press time, Nigerian security agencies have not released any official statement regarding Ibrahim’s arrest or his current location.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to The Guardian, at least 15 people, including four journalists, were killed after Israeli airstrikes hit al-Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.
Those killed include Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance reporter with the Associated Press; Mohammed Salam of Al Jazeera; and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked with NBC. Another Reuters photographer, Hatem Khaled, was seriously injured.
Footage aired by al-Ghad TV showed civil defence workers and journalists attempting to recover al-Masri’s body when they themselves came under fire. In their final moments, the rescuers raised their hands for protection before being struck.
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