Grief and concern spread across parts of northern Nigeria on Sunday as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria organised public demonstrations in reaction to reports concerning Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The gatherings began quietly around a Shi’a religious centre in Gombe before expanding into organised processions that moved through parts of the city.
Participants carried placards and recited chants while walking through selected streets in what organisers described as a peaceful expression of solidarity.
The demonstrations followed reports circulating within Shi’a networks about an alleged attack on the Iranian cleric, which many followers regarded as deeply troubling.
In Tudun Wadan Pantami area of Gombe metropolis, people gathered in noticeable numbers outside their religious centre shortly after afternoon prayers.
Men dressed in traditional robes stood beside younger participants holding small banners while others formed quiet groups discussing the reports that had triggered the protest.
Observers described the mood as solemn, with many participants speaking in subdued voices as the gathering gradually developed into a structured procession.
At the front of the march stood the cleric, Sheikh Muhammad Abbari, who addressed the crowd as they paused along Sabon Line on their route towards the BCGA area.
“We strongly condemn any attack on a religious and political leader of such standing,” he said.
“However, we urge our followers to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding in the expression of their concerns.”
“Our action today is purely peaceful. We are here to register our grievances and show solidarity, nothing more,” he added.
Participants responded with chants and raised placards while organisers moved among them to ensure that the procession remained orderly.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria maintains spiritual and ideological links with the Iranian Islamic revolution, a connection that shapes the group’s public expressions of solidarity during global developments involving Iran.
One of the demonstrators present during the Gombe procession explained the personal significance of the issue to many followers.
“You may not understand what he represents to us,” he said.
“He is not just a political leader. He is a religious authority. When something happens to him, it feels like it has happened to all of us.”
Security personnel were deployed to different locations within the city to monitor the demonstration and ensure that public order was maintained.
The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, later confirmed that officers had been stationed across strategic points as the procession moved through the metropolis.
“We have deployed men in order to monitor their activities in the state, we are always ready to give them usual coverage. We have never had negative encounter with the members in Gombe,” he said.
“You know it’s religious in nature so there is need to be extra careful. We are confident that they will conduct their activities in a peaceful manner.”
By evening, the demonstrators dispersed without incident, although discussions about the issue continued across several communities.
A similar situation unfolded in Bauchi, where members of the movement also gathered in parts of the metropolis.
Participants assembled near mosques and along major roads, some carrying white flags while others displayed banners condemning the reported incident.
Authorities in Bauchi confirmed that the demonstrations remained peaceful throughout the day.
The police public relations officer in the state, Nafiu Habib, acknowledged that the group had carried out a lawful protest.
“Like every Nigerian individual or group, the Shi’ites have the right to peaceful demonstration. We are aware that yesterday they conducted the same in Bauchi,” he said.
“What we witnessed was peaceful, and up till now, we have not recorded any breakdown of law and order.”
During the protest, a representative of the group explained their position on the development and their continued support for Iran.
“We are with Iran in heart and soul. They are targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader to make the country surrender, but they are mistaken. The Supreme Leader, as a religious authority, is among those dousing tensions,” he said.
“Islam is a peaceful religion, but the West is the problem. They are selfish and want everyone to bow to them. This will not happen; those days are gone.”
“Yesterday (Sunday), we conducted a peaceful demonstration in support of Iran, and every Muslim must take a side in this war. You are either with the righteous or with the oppressors.”
Organisers of the protest in Bauchi also advised participants to avoid confrontations and maintain discipline throughout the gathering.
In Kano, the demonstration assumed a more symbolic tone as participants gathered around the Fegge Central Mosque in Kofar Waika.
Some protesters knelt on the road while others carried white shrouds to symbolise mourning.
Candles were also lit during the gathering as volunteers distributed water and dates to members of the public nearby.
“The killing of our leader is a wound to the entire Muslim world. We mourn, but we will not remain silent,” an organiser told the gathering.
Traffic slowed in parts of the city as demonstrators occupied sections of the road while police officers stood nearby monitoring the situation.
The commissioner of police in Kano State, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, later confirmed that security measures were increased to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
“Our men escorted them to ensure the peaceful take-up of the protests and to avoid any unrest. You know it was evening, people are fasting,” he said.
Authorities disclosed that although the organisers did not formally notify the police beforehand, intelligence reports indicated that demonstrations were likely to occur.
Officers were therefore deployed to sensitive areas while community leaders were contacted to maintain calm.
The police spokesperson in Kano State, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the command was working with community stakeholders to prevent escalation.
“One of the Shiite leaders appealed for calm, urging participants to continue prayers at home and in mosques. ‘Our message is for justice and solidarity, not violence. Let peace prevail in Kano,’” he said.
By late afternoon, the gathering gradually dispersed as participants returned to their homes.
The demonstrations also attracted national attention, prompting security authorities to review the situation across the country.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed state police commands to increase monitoring around religious centres and public spaces.
“The acting IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police … to strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension,” the statement read.
The directive reflected the need to balance citizens’ right to peaceful assembly with efforts to prevent tension.
Some observers also raised concerns about the potential diplomatic implications of such demonstrations.
One commentator advised organisers to exercise caution while expressing solidarity.
“Those organising rallies must be careful not to annoy the United States of America, as the protest may seem that the country is in suppport of Iran and sympathetic to the happenings there,” he said.
“We should instead be careful. We should instead show apathy instead making the country an appendage of Iran. Nobody is happy about the killing, but care is needed, so that we don’t provoke powers that be.”
Despite the strong emotions surrounding the issue, the demonstrations across Gombe, Bauchi and Kano ended without reports of violence.
Organisers repeatedly urged participants to remain peaceful while security personnel maintained visible but restrained monitoring.
On Monday, another day of protest activity occurred in Gombe despite the ongoing Ramadan fasting period.
A participant standing along the route explained that many followers attended the demonstration simply to express concern.
“We are not here for trouble. We didn’t come for war, we have only come to show our displeasure to the current issue,” she said.
“We are here because we feel hurt.”
Across the northern region, the demonstrations illustrated how international developments can influence local reactions among communities that feel strong ideological or religious connections beyond national borders.
