Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ite group, on Friday staged demonstrations across parts of Yobe State in support of Palestine as part of activities marking the 2026 Qudus Day.
The demonstrations were held in Potiskum, Nguru, Bade, and Fika Local Government Areas, as well as in Damaturu, the state capital, where members of the movement marched peacefully to show solidarity with Palestinians.
Speaking on behalf of the group in Yobe, Ahmad Alhaji Ibrahim said the demonstrations formed part of global activities held on the last Friday of Ramadan to commemorate Qudus Day.
According to him, the protest was organised to express sympathy and support for Palestinians, whom he said had been under occupation for decades.
“This is a known demonstration held on the last Friday of every Ramadan worldwide under the Qudus Day platform. It is to show support and sympathy for Palestinians who have been under invasion for about eight decades,” he said.
The group, which is loyal to Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, said the demonstrations were conducted peacefully and intended to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians.
Another spokesperson for the movement in Yobe, Ibrahim El-tafseer, condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as an action that could further escalate tensions in the region.
“The killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader will not bring peace but will rather worsen the crisis. As Muslims, we believe in justice and standing with the oppressed,” he said.
El-tafseer described Islam as a religion of peace but accused Western powers of contributing to global unrest.
“Islam is a peaceful religion, but Western powers are often behind conflicts because of their interests. However, Muslims must continue to stand for justice,” he added.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Police Command, SP Dungus AbdulKarim, confirmed that security personnel were deployed to areas where the demonstrations took place.
He said the police monitored the processions to ensure that the protests remained peaceful and that there was no breakdown of law and order.
According to him, the police have never had problems with members of the Shi’ite movement in the state.
“Security operatives were deployed to monitor the situation and ensure public safety. The protests were conducted peacefully without any disturbance,” he said.
