Who Authorised This? Nigerians Question Use of School Children in Foreign War Protest.
A video showing students in northern Nigeria marching on the flags of the United States and Israel has sparked heated debate online, with many Nigerians questioning who authorised the children to take part in such a demonstration.
The footage, which has gone viral on social media, shows a group of male and female students taking part in a parade. In the video, the American and Israeli flags were placed on the ground, with female students seen stepping on the Israeli flag while their male counterparts stepped on the American flag. An Islamic solidarity song could be heard playing in the background as the procession continued .
The protest comes amid ongoing conflict between the US and its allies and Iran, following recent military strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Who Authorised This?
The big question on the minds of many Nigerians is who actually instructed these students to carry out this act. Critics argue that schoolchildren could not have organised such a protest on their own, suggesting that school authorities or other adults must have sanctioned the demonstration.
“DSS should invite the principal and proprietor of this school for questioning. Why fill these little girls with hatred?” one social media user, @adejimi_felix, wrote in reaction to the video .
Another user, @JohnEtebom, expressed similar concerns: “Why are they using students for this nonsense? Students that might not even know the implications of what they are doing. The school principal needs to be questioned” .
Many Nigerians have expressed worry about exposing young students to the harsh realities of a war happening thousands of miles away in another country. The concern is that children at this tender age should be focused on their studies and preparing for their future, not getting involved in international political conflicts.
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One commentator, @osazenoo, called for immediate action from authorities, writing, “This needs to be looked into by the authorities immediately” .
Some reactions questioned whether the students fully understand the implications of their actions. The video showed young people stepping on the flags of powerful nations, an act that could have diplomatic consequences beyond what these children might comprehend.
A recurring theme in the online reaction has been the question of priorities. Social media users are asking why the same energy is not directed toward the high level of insecurity that has plagued northern Nigeria for years.
Kidnappings, killings, attacks on worship centres, and banditry have become daily occurrences in many parts of the north. Statistics show that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping continue to tighten their grip on communities across the region, with schools forced to close and rural livelihoods collapsing under the weight of persistent violence .
@EmmyrateTweets captured this sentiment, questioning: “Energy for foreign solidarity is visible. But where is that same sustained pressure on leaders over banditry in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Borno?” .
Another user, @Richieman989, described the situation as “misplaced priorities and a distraction from the problems that truly affect their daily lives” .
In a sarcastic reaction, @Stanleyade01 wrote: “Na only flag dem fit trample. Person go tell dem make dem trample poverty, NEPA bill & ASUU strike dem go run!”.
Who Is Really Protesting?
Reports indicate that the demonstrations are being organised by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a Shiite group that has been staging protests across several northern states including Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger, Nasarawa, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi.
In Adamawa State, protesters including women and minors were seen burning Israeli and American flags while carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”.
The protests have raised security concerns, with the US Embassy in Abuja cancelling all visa appointments on Wednesday and advising American citizens to remain in their residences throughout the day .
While many have criticised the involvement of children in these protests, some voices have expressed support for the demonstrations as an expression of religious solidarity.
@thekanoblog wrote: “The belief and love for Islam and Muslims runs in our blood. Therefore, even if people in the North do not openly show support for Iran, in our hearts we are filled with prayers and hopes for its victory over its enemies” .
Another user, @DrDodiey, argued that people have the right to express grief and protest in support of their religious community, stating, “These people have a right to mourn and protest the killing of the leaders of their sect” .
However, others warned that such actions could encourage hatred among young people. @yakubu_sn commented: “This is not solidarity, but a passionate hate, these will instill hatred in the heart of this young children and it will not be good now or in the future if this continues” .
The Nigerian government has expressed concern about the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on domestic stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue .
The Nigeria Police Force has warned against any attempt to import foreign conflicts into the country, with spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stating: “Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will meet with the full weight of the law” .
In Lagos, the League of Imams has also appealed to Nigerians to avoid any acts that could threaten peaceful coexistence, describing the current period of Ramadan and Lent as a time for prayer and sober reflection rather than protests.
The Unanswered Question
One question remains: Why are school children being used to protest a foreign war when countless Nigerian children are being killed, kidnapped, or forced out of school by insecurity at home?
Critics point out that Iran has not publicly condemned the killings and terrorism in Nigeria, yet some Nigerians are willing to put their children on the streets to show solidarity with that nation.
For now, the debate continues, with many calling on authorities to investigate the involvement of schoolchildren in the protests and ensure that minors are protected from being drawn into adult political and religious conflicts.
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