Shiite Group Stages Rally In Abuja To Mourn Iran’s Supreme Leader

According to Ireporter Online, the gathering marked the first major public demonstration by the group in the Federal Capital Territory since the Iranian cleric was reportedly killed on February 26 during the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The rally coincided with the annual Quds Day observance and attracted thousands of Shiite faithful who assembled around the National Mosque in Abuja. Participants were seen displaying banners, waving flags and chanting slogans in condemnation of Israeli actions against Palestinians.

Reports indicate that security agencies had heightened surveillance across several parts of the capital ahead of the rally following concerns over possible demonstrations. The United States Embassy in Nigeria also temporarily suspended operations amid fears of potential protests.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the Media Forum of the Islamic Movement, Ammar Rajab, stated that the group had been observing Quds Day in Nigeria for more than four decades. He explained that the annual programme usually includes lectures, discussions, processions and public enlightenment activities.

Rajab noted that this year’s commemoration carried greater significance due to what he described as the worsening humanitarian crisis in Palestinian territories. He said the rally also served as an opportunity to mourn the reported assassination of Khamenei while reaffirming the movement’s support for the Palestinian cause.

He further dismissed reports suggesting that security operatives clashed with members of the group during the demonstration, insisting that the rally was conducted peacefully without interference from the police.

Meanwhile, residents around the Nyanya–Mararaba axis reported heavy traffic congestion as security personnel mounted checkpoints and carried out vehicle searches following the announcement of the rally.

In a related development, members of the movement also staged a demonstration in Bauchi in solidarity with Palestine and Iran. The leader of the movement in the state, Ahmad Yashi, explained that the protest formed part of activities marking Quds Day, which is observed globally on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Yashi maintained that the demonstrations organised by the movement had consistently been peaceful, adding that past confrontations were largely due to misunderstandings by authorities about the group’s activities.

He also reiterated the movement’s support for Iran amid the ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, arguing that the reported killing of Khamenei would not resolve the crisis but could instead escalate global tensions.

The Bauchi-based cleric further criticised Western powers, accusing them of contributing to instability around the world, while insisting that members of the movement would continue to show solidarity with Iran and the Palestinian people.