Shi’ites Protest In Lagos, Kano, Sokoto Over Killing Of Iran’s Khamenei
Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, have staged protests in
Lagos, Kano, Sokoto and other parts of the country following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme
Leader, Ali Khamenei, during recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
According to reports, demonstrators took to the streets on Monday, carrying Iranian flags and portraits
of Khamenei while chanting slogans condemning the joint military action.
In Lagos, protesters gathered in parts of the city, including the Maryland area, where they marched and
expressed opposition to what they described as foreign aggression against Iran. The demonstration,
though peaceful, caused temporary disruptions to movement in the area.
Similar protests were recorded in northern states such as Kano and Sokoto, where participants marched
in solidarity with Iran and called for international condemnation of the strikes.
The protests are part of a broader wave of demonstrations across multiple countries following the
escalation of tensions in the Middle East. In Nigeria, the IMN has historically maintained ideological and
religious ties with Iran, often organising rallies in response to developments involving the country.
Despite the scale of the demonstrations, reports indicate that the protests in Nigeria were largely
peaceful, with participants limiting their activities to marches, prayers, and public expressions of
solidarity.
Meanwhile, security agencies have heightened surveillance across the country to prevent any
breakdown of law and order, citing concerns over possible spillover effects from global tensions linked
to the Middle East crisis.
The development highlights the domestic impact of international events, particularly within
communities that share religious or ideological connections with global actors.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
