Shi’ite Group Holds Pro-Iran Protest at Abuja National Mosque, Other States
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites, on Friday staged a protest at the Abuja National Mosque in support of Iran.
The protesters had attended the routine Friday prayer at the mosque before beginning the demonstration within the premises.
Chanting “Allahu Akbar”, the group quickly assembled in large numbers. Within minutes, the crowd reportedly grew to about 200 people, with demonstrators chanting slogans condemning Israel and the United States while expressing solidarity with Iran.
Among the slogans chanted were “Shame to America”, “Shame to Israel”, and “We support Iran”.
Similar demonstrations were also reported at the Idumota Central Mosque, as well as on the streets of Kaduna and Bauchi.
The protests come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the recent escalation of conflict in the region.
Last week, members of the IMN organised protests in several states over the killing of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, during recent military strikes reportedly carried out jointly by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Demonstrations were earlier recorded in Lagos, Kano, Niger State, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna, where protesters condemned the military action.
In several locations, demonstrators waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of Khamenei, and carried placards criticising the United States and Israel while pledging support for Iran.
