by Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu ~
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites and led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, on Sunday staged protests across several northern states over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.
Demonstrations were recorded in Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Sokoto states, as protesters marched in solidarity with Iran, chanting slogans and displaying placards condemning the attack.
Gombe Protest
In Gombe, IMN members converged after prayers and marched from their religious centre in Tudun Wadan Pantami. Protesters carried placards denouncing the airstrikes and demanding justice.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Sheikh Muhammad Abbari Gombe described the strike as “unfortunate and deeply painful,” urging followers to remain peaceful.
“We are expressing our grief and condemnation in a lawful manner. Our members must remain calm and law-abiding while we register our displeasure,” he said.
Security operatives were visibly deployed across parts of the metropolis during the procession to maintain order.
Protests Spread
Similar protests were reported in Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Niger states, where demonstrators waved Iranian flags and carried placards with inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran,” alongside anti-US and anti-Israel messages.
In Sokoto, some Muslim groups also staged demonstrations, condemning the killing and expressing solidarity with Iran.
In a statement circulated among supporters, the IMN expressed “deep sorrow” over Khamenei’s death and vowed continued support for Iran.
“This attack represents Western interference in Middle Eastern affairs. We stand firmly with the people of Iran in this difficult moment,” the statement read.
Police Heighten Surveillance
Following the protests, the Nigeria Police Force ordered heightened surveillance nationwide.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify intelligence gathering, particularly in the North Central, North East and North West zones.
Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said the IGP emphasised proactive policing and collaboration with religious and traditional leaders.
“The Nigeria Police Force will not allow the country to become a theatre for foreign conflicts. We are committed to preventing any attempt to import ideological or sectarian tensions into Nigeria,” he stated.
The police also assured citizens of enhanced visibility around worship centres and other public spaces.
Islamic Groups React
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, condemned the killing, describing it as “an act of unlawful aggression.”
“While we condemn the attack, Nigerian Muslims must remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant,” Akintola said.
Similarly, the Ummah Movement at the National Islamic Centre in Zaria criticised the US and Israel and called on the Nigerian government to review any military agreements with the two countries.
Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi described Khamenei as “a lucky soul who died defending oppressed people,” adding that his death could have far-reaching consequences for global Muslim relations.
Embassy Advisory
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait urged Nigerians residing in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm and comply with safety directives issued by local authorities amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The advisory encouraged citizens to stay alert and monitor official communications as the situation develops.
