The wife of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sayyida Zeenatuddeen Ibraheem Zakzaky, has called for unity among Muslims and Christians worldwide to confront oppression and promote justice.

She made the appeal at the closing of the 5th International Conference on Islamic Thought in Bauchi, which brought together participants from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and other African countries.

The three-day event was organised by the Sisters Forum and Academic Forum under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and focused on the theme, “The State of Affairs and the Way Out.”

Speaking at the event, Sayyida Zeenatuddeen urged Muslims to adhere strictly to the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, stressing that faith should guide daily conduct. She said the conference aimed to remind adherents of their responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in society.

She noted that while the gathering was rooted in Islamic teachings, the call for justice transcends religion, adding that all people value fairness and oppose injustice regardless of belief.

On global conflicts, she described tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran as a clear divide between oppressors and the oppressed, insisting that people must take a stand against injustice. She also expressed support for what she termed resistance against aggression and emphasised that all prophets historically stood against oppression.

The IMN leader’s wife further criticised what she described as expansionist policies by Western powers, particularly in Iran and Palestine, and urged Nigerians to remain cautious of foreign influence. She warned against relying on external powers to resolve domestic security challenges, stressing the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty.

Also speaking, Dr. Fatima Ismail of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said the conference was designed to deepen awareness about justice and inspire resistance to oppression globally. She called for stronger collaboration between Muslims and Christians, warning that silence in the face of injustice contributes to worsening global conditions.

Following the conference, thousands of IMN members and participants staged a peaceful protest in Bauchi, marching to the Central Bank roundabout. Demonstrators chanted in support of Palestine and condemned the actions of the United States and Israel, describing them as unjust and calling for global resistance.