Shi’ites in Nigeria stage pro-Iran, anti-US protests
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as Shi’ites, held a demonstration on Friday at the National Mosque in Abuja to show support for Iran.
The protesters first joined other worshippers for the routine Friday prayers at the mosque. Shortly after the prayers ended, they began their demonstration within the mosque premises.
Witnesses said the group started chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they assembled in large numbers. The gathering quickly grew to about 200 participants.
During the protest, the demonstrators voiced strong criticism of the United States and Israel. They also declared their support for Iran. The crowd chanted “shame to America”, “shame to Israel”, and “we support Iran”.
Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the country. Members of the group organised protests at Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos. Others took to the streets in Kaduna and Bauchi.
The protests come at a time of rising tension in the Middle East following a recent escalation in the conflict involving Iran.
Last week, Shi’ite supporters organised demonstrations in several Nigerian states after the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Reports said he was killed during recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Protests took place in Lagos, Kano, Niger state, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna. Demonstrators condemned the joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel. The strikes reportedly led to the death of Khamenei and some members of his family.
Authorities also recorded similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe states.
Many of the protesters waved Iranian flags and carried portraits of Khamenei. Some also displayed placards that criticised the United States and Israel while expressing solidarity with Iran.